Captain's House

 Went to Captain Asbell's house for a little mini Christmas dinner and celebration. Jensen ate any treats should could get her hands on. ( Yes, that is a dog behind her not a horse.)

 Which, is probably why we later found her on the floor throwing tantrums when she didn't get exactly what she wanted.

The boys played a little pool...the girls too.

Captain teaching Jensen how to take on her brother...like she needed any help!

The gang hanging out.

What a STUD!!!!!

I came by to see Randy at the station when he showed me this. He was awarded fire fighter of the year out of his whole department! He wasn't able to go to the award ceremony because he was on a call up the canyon, so they ended up just kinda handing it to him. I would have loved to have been there, but I had no idea he was getting it. It really means a lot to Randy because it is something that is nominated by his peers. I know he respects the guys he works with so much, it was such an honor. ( I joked with him that he got it for the most hours worked in one year...In which case I should receive an award too :))They also gave him a $100 gift card. We are SO proud of him!

Boston's B-Day

 Boston turned 4 this year. We went to Chuckie Cheese. It was Jay's first time ever there. He was beyond excited. He didn't quite know the way it worked and was asking everyone he knew and didn't know for tokens...yeah we nipped that in the bud fast.

Jay riding the kiddie rides

Greg was a hit with the ladies, especially Jensen

 Ally

 Boston and Aunt Dana who made some killer cupcakes.

Savette (another little cousin)

Orem Party

Last Monday was Orem's Christmas Party. They rented out the bowling ally and it was catered by Zoupas. We had such a good time. Randy was on shift, but they made sure he got to stay long enough. I bowled a 108 which I think is probably my best score ever. Nichole took this picture of us. I was having too much fun to take any of my own. Kelly watched the kids and I am so grateful I got a night on the town. Merry Christmas to us!

Lack of Posting = Lack of Motivation

This is a hard time of year to be steady with posting. So much to do, so little time. I still haven't done Christmas cards. Normally I have them in their envelope and stamped before Thanksgiving. I am am giving myself a break because I have had many unexpected things happen. But, I am SO looking forward to Christmas. Lacey and Seth and the kids are driving out and My Mom is flying out too. I can't wait to see the kids open their presents...it will be too fun.

So, for now I wrap presents, attend Christmas party's and wish for peace on earth. The snow has yet to come and I am feeling good about that. :)

Dancing Jents

Although hard to see cuz she was sitting on my lap and I was trying to video...I thought it was hilarious. She LOVES to dance to this song.

Random Family Snapshots

 My cuz Lynsey working on her art project.

 My Cuz Dustin and Maren

 My Cuz Darci and I

 Uncle Ted and Aunt Kay Lea

 The Fam

 My Cuz Ashley and Jane

 My Cuz Lisa and I 

My sissy's and my Mom and I 

Life Lately

What can I say about these past 2 weeks. It has been probably the hardest of my entire life.  When you lose someone so close to you, it takes a part of you. I have done everything I know how just to hold myself together. I felt many answers to prayer this week. I also found out truly who is there for me in time of need. I appreciate the phone calls and texts and words of encouragement.

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving day I was feeling more then overwhelmed. I was having  7 family members come in that night to stay with me for the funeral, had to go grocery shopping, prepare things for Thanksgiving, clean my house and most importantly dress my cousin Jamie for her burial. I was struggling emotionally all day with how I was ever going to get it all done with Randy at work. I even called Cass and Lace to complain of my troubles. They kept telling me to call someone to help, but I am horrible with asking for help and didn't want to burden anyone close to the holiday. About 10 min after getting off the phone with them my friend Shelly text and asked if I needed anything. I called her back and she just happened to be close to the area and said she would go grocery shopping for me. She was seriously an answer to prayer and she doesn't even know it. It makes me tear up just thinking about it because I was in SO need of help. I feel more than appreciative of good friends and for those still small voice promptings.

Family came into town that I haven't seen in years. In fact it was the first time we had all been gathered together since I was a kid. I wanted to hold all my family so tight. Cass and lace came in town Tuesday night and had to leave Thursday morning. It was the quickest trip ever, but I felt blessed to have my sisters in our greatest time of tragedy. Many miracles came to pass to make sure everyone was there. I still believe my Grandma Imy's prayers and faith stopped the worst storm of the season from coming. Everyone was to come into town driving from states away and for some reason the storm never came. My gram kept saying, "It's not going to come. There will be no storm." I truly believe her faith can move mountains and in this case storms.

One of the hardest things I have ever done to date was the dressing of my dear cousin. Because of the injury's, we were only able to do her hair. It was a special, private and intimate moment.  And, I knew in that moment that the spirit of a person is their whole being. It led to every confirmation that she was no longer with us, but with her Heavenly Father. She was being cared for by the greatest care giver of all.

The Funeral was beautiful. Many great things were said. All the cousins sang, "Nearer my God to thee." It gave me the peace I was in need of.

If I have learned anything these last days it has been to hug my kids and husband tighter, to rely on the Lord more and to trust in his will. The amount of gratitude I feel in my heart is perfect for a day of giving thanks.

We love you Jamie

Lacey also posted what happend here.

Jamie, Kelly and I

My sweet, dear cousin. I still can't believe you are gone. Finding myself in moments still thinking that it isn't real. I know my faith and understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ is getting me through every minute of the day. He prepared the way for us to return to our Father and I know he is welcoming you with open arms. We love you and we will take care of your little family. And until we meet again...

San Diego Part 2

 The next morning we rolled out of bed at 7:00am. Then we headed to our fav breakfast place. Afterwards, we walked down Broadway until we hit the Marina. Camera crews were set up all along the pier in arrival of the big Carnival cruise ship that had broken down and was set to arrive the next day. It was all over the news and we were right there walking right in front of the cameras. There, we saw the Midway. It is a great big ship, I mean huge with airplanes on it. If we would have gone inside it would have taken us all day to look at it. (And 18 bucks a head.) But, it was still awesome to see. We then walked further to a Bob Hope Memorial. 

 I loved this bigger then life stature of a solider getting busy with a nurse.

 Where's Randy? He blended right in with the statues.

 After walking up and down the shore line, we decided to take a ferry over to Coronado Island.(Randy was SO sick of me taking pictures.)

 When we got on our ferry we were the youngest ones. We were on the same boat as a senior citizen excursion. The boat smelled like grandma perfume. I loved the boat ride. It was one of my favorite parts. The smell of salt water and the wind blowing. I just snuggled next to Randy and enjoyed the whole moment.

 From the boat looking back.

 Once we got there we walked around and looked at the gift shops. Then we got some ice cream at Cold Stone. We enjoyed the sunshine and the beautiful weather.

Later that day we picked up some lunch at a local pizzeria, did a little shopping, then headed back to our hotel for a rest. That night Cristy took us out to dinner again to another amazing place. (If you don't know Cristy is an amazing Chef who used to work at the Grant Hotel and now does catering. She knows food and exactly what to order.) I can't remember the name of the place but it was dang good. We ordered muscles and beef cheeks and trout and the most delicious things I had never even tried before. Randy and I took total advantage knowing that we were not going to eat that good for a long time.

Randy and Cristy, the first night.

The next morning we got up at 5:30am and headed back home. Luckily it seemed faster on the way home then coming. we got in at about 6:00pm. Jeanna and the kids has made welcome home signs on the door and Jeanna surprised us with giving our bed a makeover. We got a new comforter and she hand made 4 pillows to go along with it. She also had cleaned the house which was so appreciated. (As if she wasn't busy enough.)

Some more random snapshots:

OK, I couldn't help it....here are some more....

Family pic sneak peak

 We had our family pics taken about a month ago. These are a few. You will have to wait for Christmas for the rest:) Taken by http://mackenziekileyphotography.blogspot.com/