Snow Time

A couple of weeks ago after a big snow storm Cody decided to get out the four wheeler and pull the kids around on a sled. They had so much fun and even survived a couple of crashes.

Come and Gone Again

Our holiday season has been so much fun this year. I love the feeling that it brings into our home and all the family we get to see and be around. It definitely can get tiring, but it is well worth it. As usually we are way busy going to all the grandparents parties. At Grandma Jo and Papa Craig's the kids got to perform the nativity scene. At Papa Duseys the kids went wild and had fun just being with cousins and sleeping over. And then at Grandma Lori and Papa Rays they get to chill back and get lots of attention because they are only cousins around. :)

Christmas at our house is getting more and more fun each year. I love seeing my children full of excitement Christmas morning. This year Cody told our kids that WHENEVER they wake up we would wake up. WHAT? Is he crazy? The only rule was they couldn't leave their bedrooms and they had to yell for us when they woke up. Well of course Cody slept through the screaming and I was the one to hear them. They ended up waking up at 5:30. Way to early for me (now I know why my parents would make us wait in the morning). After a few minutes I finally got up and enjoyed Christmas morning with my children. Cooper caught on pretty fast, but was definitely tired because he had to wake up soooo early. We have felt very blessed this year and are thankful for the WONDERFUL family that we have. I hope that each year will bring more happy memories!

The Spirit of GIVING!

We had the opportunity last week to be involved in The Santa Cause. On Monday we meet up with a bunch of people and the players from Flash at Walmart to go shopping for 85 families in need this holiday season. We were given a list of what the family needed, how old they were, or if they were a boy or girl. So before we started I explained to the kids what was going on and that we could only spend so much so we needed to get what the kids really needed first. Jori really caught on and loved looking for the gifts, Brody...well lets just say he was himself, and of course Cooper hated the whole thing. What one year old loves shopping. :) Oh I failed to mention that Cody was out of town, but luckily a Flash Player named Brian pushed the cart around for us. I'm sure at times he just had to think we were the craziest family around. In the end we had shopped for three families,It sure felt good. On Wednesday everyone that could got together and wrapped all of the presents. I had Young Woman's so we weren't able to participate. Then on Saturday everyone meet together to deliver the gifts to the families. We were able to go to three. All of the families we went to spoke Spanish, but it was still amazing to see the smiles on their faces and know that this was going to help them out. My favorite part of the day was this conversation we had with Brody.

"It's strange Mom I feel warm inside." Brody
"That's the Holy Ghost telling you that you are doing something good." Dad
"Yeah, but its cold outside and It still feels warm." Brody
"It feels good to help people huh?" Mom
"Yeah, but I'm even drinking sprite and I still feels warm." Brody

I couldn't help but be a proud mom! Brody always seems to amaze me. Just when I think he isn't paying attention he reminds me that he is and that he is aware of what is going on around him.

I love this time of year and am so grateful for the Spirit of Giving!

Here Comes Santa Clause

Last Saturday we had our first Christmas party with Cody's side of the family. I love this time of year!!! It was so fun to see extended family members that you only get to see a couple of times of year. The food was YUMMY! And the entertainment was a blast. Every year we are told that our kids could share a talent if they would like. This year Jori wanted to play the piano, but as we were driving up she realized she had forgotten her music. Lets just say she was not too happy. :( Brody wanted to sing the song "My Turn On Earth" . Jori and Brody were in a Stake play and were able to learn this song. On the night of the play Brody started crying and saying he didn't dare sing, luckily he got brave enough and did! So for the talent show he wanted to sing it alone. I was shocked! We kept trying to talk Jori into it, but of course she kept saying no and that she just wanted to play the piano. As Brody walked up Jori finally decided she would (with a little push ;)). They did such an awesome job! I was such a proud Mommy. And of course what would a Christmas party be without Santa Clause? Cooper loved him. He kept going over to him and just staring. Well, this is just the start of many parties this month and I can't wait!!

HELP!!!!

A couple of months ago Cooper learned how to climb out of the crib. It wasn't too big of a deal because when I would put him down for nap time or bed time he would stay in until it was time to wake up. In fact it was kind of nice because in the mornings he would just walk into my room and let me know he was awake. I know I sound lazy, but I love to sleep in as long as I can in the morning. Anyways about three weeks ago he started climbing out of his crib in the middle of the night to come and sleep with us. WHAT?! That is not allowed! So I would get up (making sure not to talk) pick him up and place him back in bed. I thought a couple of nights of this and he would stop. WRONG!! If anything it has gotten worse. He got up 5 times the other night. I feel like I have a newborn again. I am besides myself and do not know what to do. He's not even 2 yet. Does anyone have any BRILLIANT ideas?

What Big Sisters Are For

Here is a conversation we had the other day while driving home....

Brody "Mom, Dad I feel bad for grownups."
Me "Why?"
Brody "Because Santa doesn't bring them any presents."
Jori (whispering) "Brody that is our job."

Ever since this conversation Jori and Brody have been working on mine and Cody's presents for Christmas. I'm not allowed to go in the closet at any time because I might accidentally open up our presents. So Cute!!!

Girls Night

Every year my mom, me and all of my aunts and cousins plan a girls night out with each other. We leave early Friday morning and head off to Park City to shop, eat, and sleep over so that the next morning we can do it all over again. It by far is one of my favorite memories that my family has decided to make. I can't wait until next year!!!!