Let's play catch up

I know, I know it has been too long. I feel bad. It has been a crazy last few months. So much has gone on, hope you don't mind all the pictures. Emma had her 9th Birthday! I seriously can't believe I have a 9 year old. How can it be?! She is such a sweetheart. I couldn't ask for a better daughter. I am just so proud of her and the sweet person she is becoming.

We had a wonderful Christmas with both the Wrights & Hancocks, so many fun cousins, aunts and uncles to be with. It was so good to be with everyone.

Christmas was wonderful with our little family. We had quite an adventure Christmas morning

with all the animals that Santa brought this year. We are getting to have quite the zoo around here!

We had a Christmas party at Grammie and Grandad's. Complete with beautiful meal and fun sleigh riding and living dolls that hand out your dinner rolls.New year's Eve was fun with the Sandalls, even if some of us didn't quite make to midnight...

Poor Sammy he fell asleep at about 11:53.


We have done lots of biking-with the kids new bikes

Especially Sadie can't get enough. She thinks that she is pretty big with her tricycle and helmet that won't stay on her head. She just cracks me up when she gets her little legs pushin' those peddles.

Cody has had the 'winter camping bug' lately, so he has been sleeping out in the backyard with the kids, no tent, no sleeping bags, just wool blankets out on the snow. weird. I can't think of a more hellish thing! The kids all love it though.

The kids and Cody have also been working on their little playhouse in the backyard. I have been really proud of them, they have all worked really hard and it turned out so cute.

Abby unloading the brick pavers.

It turned out super cute. It sits on the brick pavers and the kids have decked it all out with anything that I'll let them take outside.
We have also been able the spend time with Heather & Ryan's family and to see Grandma Jean. I am so glad to see her doing better. She really gave us all a scare.

Sleigh riding with cousins; Kailea and Maili.

This morning, we woke up and went exploring at Willard Bay. The weather looked scary but actually was warm enough to walk on the beach and pick up shells.

The kids loved the ice. No, we didn't go out far, not after last year's falling in adventure. We stayed very close to the shore and just let the kids slide around for awhile.

I love these days with the kids. So priceless.

It has been a great last couple of months lots of fun things to doand lots of wonderful people to see. We are so blessed to be able to do so much.

Our latest project...

Hello, it has been a while, huh?! Well I am still missing my camera, it should be coming any day now. I am praying that it comes before Christmas. So in the meantime, I will advertise Cody's latest project, you can go to http://www.historichomesaver.blogspot.com/

to get the full info and pictures. This is a darling house with beautiful little details and charm that only an older home can offer. Take a look at the blog and pass the word along to anyone in the market. Cody has worked so hard and done such a great job on this home. He is just so dang talented. I would love to see someone get it that would appreciate all the love and hours that have gone into restoring it.

I am so Thankful!!

My camera is still on the outs, but I just wanted include a few photos that I love. This week, has been one of really thinking of the upcoming holiday and thinking of what I am truly thankful for.

I think that Heather put it best on her blog, she said that the older she gets it is the little things that make her the happiest and that she is most thankful for. I too, find so much joy in the tiny moments that sometimes you can't put words to.

In any case, my heart is just brimming over with gratitude to my Heavenly Father for all the little things and the really big things that he has blessed my life with. Of course family, friends, freedom, the gospel always top the list. But it is the underlying blessings that amaze me this year, the unseen force that connects us all, the wonder of the human body, how music influences us, the miracle of human touch, how a kind word or smile can mean so much, how the simple thought of a memory can make you smile or cry, the ability to see, hear, read, think, feel, move. The opportunity we have everyday to change to be a better person. How a good tight hug can make everything feel a little better.

I could go on and on, as I am sure all of you could too. Aren't we all blessed so much, with so much. What a beautiful time of year to stop and take a step back and realize all that we have and thank Heavenly Father for it. Love you all.

Twilight anyone?....

Okay, okay, despite the not so good reviews and sometimes super corny parts(hold on spider monkey!). I loved this movie! I don't know if it was that I got caught up in the whole high school girl fantasy, but there were seriously parts in this movie where my heart was racing and I was holding my breath. I know, I know it is all pretty silly, but I think deep down even if we don't want to admit it we all have that part of us that loves the fantasy and drama. I thought the music was super good too. Whatever the reason, I got sucked in.(pun not intended)

The Ending of a Wonderful Memory...

Please try to bare with the long blog and lots of pictures, I feel this is worth it. Last week, Cody, Kenzie and Brock finished the Kiln! And last Thursday they lit it. It was an excited day for all of those involved. We gathered at the kiln at 11:oo and Cody gave a little introduction and speech in his historic clothes. After that Kenzie lit it up. I think we were all feeling a little nervous, the wind was blowing so hard. We just wanted everything to turn out well. --The really crummy thing is, I literally took two pictures and my camera just stopped working. Oh, I was so mad! Thanks Kenzie, I had to use your picures. How am I gonna live without a camera?

The wind didn't stop it from it not turning out perfect. It lit up fine and burned beautifully.

View from the top of the kiln. From this point, it burns so hot, you only have a second to look over, it is extremely hot.
It was quite an exciting day, Fox & KSL news showed up to do a story. It was just fun to be in the midst of all of that. The newspaper also wrote a couple great articles. I was just happy the community took such an interest in something these guys have been working on so hard.

Cody doing his little interview. He did a great job!

Even John Hollenhorse came to get in on the action. He even did his 'throw a rock in the kiln while he is talking' to give a little bit more of a drama effect. We all just had to laugh.

Danny & Cody standing on top of the kiln. Great picture.

Sammyman and Cody looking up to the top.

Brock and Cody hanging out inside the kiln.

Cody on top of the kiln. I thought this was a cool picture with all of the smoke.

I had to include this picture of Brock-I think it is a great one.

Kenzie and Cody in front of the Kiln.


What a fantastic day! It has just done my heart happy, just because, Cody is so talented and creative and sometimes I think it goes unnoticed, this was nice to have him in the spotlight for once. He deserves it. I know Cody feels a little sad it's all over, after all he has been working on this project on and off since 2001. Another reason, is he has loved working with his little sis, and good friend Brock. I know they had some great times amidst all the hard work. It is just in his soul to do something as meaningful as this. Cody, Kenzie and Brock you all did an amazing job! We are so proud of you and all of the hard work you put into the kiln-it is beautiful!

Just a few loves lately...

Lately we have been working hard getting our leaves raked up and it has been quite a chore. We have five, yes five 'old English walnut' trees in our yard-they provide beautiful shade in the summer, but their leaves are a nightmare to get raked up in the fall. Not to mention all the walnuts that need to be cleaned up too.It was great to work as a family to get it all done. I love this... working together...outside...as a family. The weather could not have been better for such a thing. Absolutely beautiful day.

The last few blooms of fall, giving it their all before winter comes to take away their color.

Another great love...Grandma Jean, who could not adore her the minute they meet her. She just draws you in and loves you like she has known you forever, and she has, and you can truly feel that from her. This last weekend we got to go visit her and have Sunday dinner at her house, like we always used to. That felt so nice.
While there we dug up some peonies and iris' to transplant to our yard. These flowers, we figured have been in the family for over 120 years. Starting at Grandma Lindsay's beautiful yard, then moving twice with Grandma Jean and now to our house. I think they will fit our old house perfectly--I am so excited for this project this week.
Also while at Grandma's, Heather took some pictures of the kids of course-I couldn't help but to gush. You did great Heather---Sweet Sadiebug

Thoughtful Abigail.
Peaceful Emma.
Adorable Sam.

Another silly love lately-is my herbs drying by the old cook stove. They make our house smell so wonderful. Just to see them hanging there...it just makes me happy. I know, I'm a nerd. Growing/dryin herbs=happiness...I know. I can't help myself.

Another Birthday Shout out!!!

This one goes out to Kenzie; Happy, Happy Day!!! I hope this is a great one Kenz!

You are such a fun, creative, adventurous, talented, caring, wonderful, silly, smart, special person. Thanks for being such a good work partner for Cody and such a good friend to me. You are definitely one of the greatest people I know.

Happy Birthday Kenzie!!! We love you!!!