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Elves

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WE'RE BACKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't believe it! We came back to snow! How crazy after spending a nice week in mid-70's weather. California was wonderful. We are so tired but had a great time. I will try and add videos and pictures when I have time. Here are some family pictures. Check older posts too!

Sleeping on the go

Naptime away from home was hard.

Patiently waiting....

Grace and Kyle did a good job of waiting while the bigger kids got to ride the "Big kid" rides. One adult would stay with them while the others rode and then we got a switch pass so that person could take one other person and get on without waiting in the big line again. It worked well for us. Grace and Kyle got a lot of gogurts, pudding and other snacks to keep them happy.

My Family

My mom and sisters all met us at Disneyland. We enjoyed spending time together at the "Happiest Place on Earth".

Grace on the Matterhorn

Grace rode with Brad on the Matterhorn bobsled rollercoaster. She was a little unsure at first, but loved it after.

License to Drive

The kids loved driving their own cars. The parents endured the cramps from pushing down the pedal for the younger ones and the boring wait. Autopia was one of their favorite rides. They loved spending time with their grandmas, aunts and cousins!

Jedi masters!

Braden and Spencer got picked to participate in the Jedi Training Academy. It took Braden and while to figure out how to "Activate" his light saber, but once he did he held his own against Darth Vader himself.

Too much sugar!

Why do they make suckers so big? Megan bought a sucker with her disney dollars and was kind enough to share with Grace (can't be sanitary).

Ya can't catch me...I'm Grace

Run Brad Run! Grace took great joy is showing us her endurance. It was quite cute to see her pigtails bouncing up and down as she giggled her mischievous giggle!

Run Gracie, RUNNNNNN!

How much energy does Grace have? Endless, it seemed. Here are some videos of her at the park. Grace like to run instead of ride (in the stroller). Sometimes she insisted on pushing the stroller herself. Of course we had to be careful she didn't run anyone over!

You can fly, you can fly, you can fly.....

Yes, Thanks to Alaska's cheap fares we were able to fly this time to Disneyland. Thank goodness! With the help of DVD players and gameboys they were entertained on the trip home. On the way there Grace kept kicking the seat in front of her and threatening to have a tantrum so I felt like I was catering to her every whim just trying to keep the peace. As luck would have it she fell asleep just as were were landing in Long Beach! Of course she woke up when were were getting off the plane and was quite grouchy. All in all, we survived and sure enjoyed taking 4 long days of driving off of our trip to Southern California.

Megan's Meltdown

Poor Megan got soaked on the Rapids Ride. As you can see she was not happy. Overall the kids did well not falling apart. We were impressed because we walked miles, got up early everyday and had very long days. We love you Megan! This is too funny not to post!

Ashley can let go!

Well, I think Ashley has been skating three times now and she finally let go of the wall! She even ventured out into the middle. Coming from her mother, who has never been on ice skates, I am so proud of her! Way to go Ashley! We sure had fun with the Activity Day Girls skating!

Kyle loves to jump!

We marvel everyday at each of our children and their "cuteness". Good thing they are cute (they are alot of work)! Grace loves to cheer Kyle on, as you can see.

So much to be thankful for...

We had a nice Thanksgiving this year. Sharon prepared a yummy turkey and we had the usual sides to go along. Jess and Taylor came, along with Amy and her family! It was great to sit down together and visit. Ashley was excited to sit at the "grownup" table. The little cousins were too excited to stay seated long..."food??? What Food??? We want to play!" We then met up with the Bees at the Asbjornsen's and had desserts and played Apples to Apples. Craig came off conqueror, with Thor and Courtney not far behind. It was a fun!

Brad and I both slept in Thanksgiving morning and it was great to just let the kids play and feel like we didn't have any "work" to do. Vacations are so important for family memories...I hope you all had a great one! Now on to my favorite holiday! I love Christmas for so many reason, but most of all for the memories of the past and making new memories that will live on in the future. President Monson's Christmas address in the Ensign has a wonderful story that sure warmed my heart. I read it to the kids today....so when the hometeachers come over and give the lesson they will look really smart (JK!!!). Not long after reading it a lady came to our door looking for canned goods for some families at her church. My kids immediately pitched in gathering food from our back pantry. They were so thrilled to give(smiling, running frantically between the front door and the pantry, carrying as much as they could)...that is what we like to see! I went after Thanksgiving shopping and it was fun to get deals. The real deal, however, is giving. That is where the inner joy that lasts is found! Merry Christmas!
PS. Our house is decorated (almost) and I am writing our letter today. So much to do...so little time! Disneyland, here we come!

Baby Mia got her heart!

What a joy it was to hear that little Mia got her heart yesterday. My kids were so excited for her. If you can check out her blog...her family is so inspirational. Heavenly Father surely does answer prayers!

Baby Mia needs your help!

If anyone feels they can donate to this great cause that would be wonderful. See the link to the right. Baby Mia is a little girl who is 4 months old. She is in Children's Hospital waiting for a heart. Pray for her please! It is heartbreaking what her parents are going through. Thank you so very much!

VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!!

Just a reminder to make your voice heard. I sure hope Prop 8 passes in California. Tomorrow will be an exciting day!

Awesome costumes!!!

There were some neat costumes on Halloween. My favorite was a boy in our ward names Nolan...however, I didn't get a picture of his sumo wrestler costume. Josh was awesome and Hunter was a great Indiana Jones! Miranda's Rapunzel costume was so creative. Heidi (her mom, Brad's sis.) is so good at that! The baby is Kyle's friend Lillian, isn't she a cute little flower. Her mom has great taste!

Trick or Treat!

We had Trunk or Treat at church. The kids made quite a haul and were very wired on candy (no different than me when I was little). I remember my parents letting me take my whole Halloween bucket and keep it in my room. I could eat it whenever I wanted. So I guess I am a "mean" mom, because we already took our kids candy away and are rationing it. I still haven't decided if it is better to let them gorged and be done with it or drag it out over the next few months until only stale pieces are left that no one wants anyway. Grace sure enjoyed getting the candy. I caught her taking Daddys big snickers bar and hiding under the desk! We enjoyed visiting our neighbors and for most of them we were the only ones who knocked on their doors. It was a rainy night and our streets have no street lights. I wouldn't trick or treat there either if I didn't live there. I would go to well lighted subdivisions where the houses are close to together. I hope everyone had a great Halloween. We are now entering my favorite time of year...Thanksgiving and Christmas! We are getting ready for Disneyland too. The kids are earning their Disney dollars and are excited it is only a few weeks away. We get to fly this year (great deals on Alaska).

Family Ice skating

Grace, Kyle and I hung out in the viewing area while Brad and the other kids tried hard to ice skate. Even though most of them hung on to the wall, they loved it! Grace was going crazy, but she sure is cute. The kids want to go again soon...maybe I will give it a try. I have never been on ice skates before. Roller skates-yes...Ice skates no.

Out to Lunch with Dad

Ice Ice Baby...Braden's 5th Birthday with the whole family

Our Family Picture 2008

We made a great effort to get our family photos done before the Christmas rush. Here are some of them...

We did it! After 2 whole years....

After 2 whole years we got our older children's pictures taken (along with the rest of the family). All 8 of us headed off for JcPenneys last Monday morning. It was hard to get everyone dressed and ready (kind of like Sundays around here). When we got there Grace decided to be grouchy and Kyle became fussy. I was so glad we made the effort, but looking at the picture you have no idea how hard it was to get Grace to semi smile. (I had to bribe with gum and even then she wouldn't smile normal!) Oh well, she and the rest of the kids are really cute and we were glad to preserve this moment in time. The pictures on the wall are 2 years old so its about time!

Braden has his first birthday party...He is 5.

Braden was so excited to have his friends come over to celebrate his 5th Birthday. We had a fun party with games, pizza, cupcakes and presents. Happy Birthday Bubba! We love you!

4th of July - Gracie learns a new skill!

Go Gracie Go! The leader of the pack...BRRRRRRMMMMMM!

Our sweet baby laughing

Isn't he cute! No one can make him laugh like daddy!

September 11th - We will never forget

Our family went the to TFD memorial on Sept. 11th. The Governor was there for the ceremonies. I was glad Brad thought of taking our children to this event. It is important to remember those who give their lives for freedom and to protect others.

New News

Hi Everyone. Just thought I had better post an update on our family. Kyle has really had trouble sleeping so Brad and I are really tired lately. He is such a joy though. He is sitting up by himself, blowing raspberries, grabbing for things and just being a cheerful little boy. We are hoping he gets the sleeping thing down soon. Little Grace gave up her crib so Kyle could have it. She shares a room with Megan and has done well sleeping in her toddler bed. It is the sweetest site to see Grace kneel by her bed to say her prayers. Speaking of prayers....During General Conference I said to Grace, "Gracie, get ready for prayer" and she immediately folded her arms and started saying"Heavenly Father (in Gracie talk), bless daddy...." Daddy is always at the top of her list. She didn't realize I meant someone else was saying the prayer...so cute!
Ashley started volleyball...this is her first time playing on a team. I am assistant coach and she is really doing well. Spencer went with us to practice tonight and ran around shagging all the loose balls. He did a great job!
Megan had her 7th birthday on September 26. She had a birthday party which she loved. I will post some pictures from the party later. Life is good!

Pray for Baby Mia

There is a little baby of some members of the church here that is fighting for her life. Please include baby Mia in your prayers. She is trying to hang on until a heart is available. Here are the blogs... http://www.mcdonaldfam.blogspot.com/ http://helpbabymia.blogspot.com/ Thank you!!!!

This is so TRUE!!!

THIS IS FUNNY!

Blogging is fun if I can have time to do it!

Seriously, life is busy right now. I think I will be busy forevermore. Having 6 kids pretty much means that, but it is better to be anxiously engaged in good causes instead of loafing around. My typical day begins bright and early (after getting up with a teething Kyle). Braden Gene has an internal clock (just like Grandpa Gene) and he gets up at 6:30 am. He usually hops in the shower (he is only a 4 year old!!!) and showers. Then he gets himself dressed and sometimes makes his bed without reminding him. We laugh at how obedient and wonderful this little boy is. He is always cheerful in the mornings too. He would have been a great little farm boy. We sure love and appreciate him. I try and get breakfast cooking right away. We have had oatmeal a lot. I need to find other things to add to oatmeal besides honey, raisins and brown sugar. Anyway, the kids like oatmeal and it is easy and cheap. When I was pregnant we ate a lot of cold cereal for my convenience. I am trying harder to always cook a breakfast now. After breakfast we have family scripture study, flag and prayer. Then we start schooling. We get done whenever the kids finish...some days by noon, other days not until 5 pm. the 5 pm days are because of Drs. appointments or Visiting Teaching appt. I really don't like making appointments because they get in the way. I try and make afternoon apts. if I have to. Ashley is doing well in her 5th grade studies...she is very independent. Spencer has improved much over last year. Reading is now easy for him instead of a struggle. Megan is doing well and Braden Gene is (of course) the eager little learner. Braden goes to a fun little preschool on MWF. In October we begin our YMCA co-0p where the kids get PE (swimming and gym). We are excited for this year of Homeschooling and I am enjoying having more energy than last year. Life is good and we sure love our kids. Grace is a hoot lately, talking in full sentences. We love it when she says trampoline...it is such a hard word and yet she pronounces it almost perfect! She is a darling. Lately she is into watching Baby songs..(remember those?-Daddy be a horsey, My mommy comes back, and all those corny videos!!). She is actually demanding that I put them on. So funny since she didn't watch TV at all until recently. We also put on Potty Time, since she is getting ready to make the leap from diapers to panties! Well that is the update on the kids. Brad is working hard on another cabinet job. He should be done in a week or so. He is having knee trouble and has to have a MRI. Not sure why he is having so much pain. I hope it isn't serious. I am going to be an assistant coach for Ashley's volleyball team this year. She was able to meet a 4 time all-American at our last clinic and she helped Ashley specifically with her overhand serve. Volleyball is still my favorite sport so it is fun to share this with my daughter. I will post some pictures from her games (beginning in Oct.)

Okay, Okay, We are trying to Get with Technology

Just a quick note to welcome you to our blog. I can't guarantee how often we will update this blog, but I sure want to be more in touch with our family and let everyone know about our life. Sometimes I feel I am so busy with life that I am too busy to "document" life. However, I also realize I can't remember all the funny things my kids say or all of the great times we have as a family. Life is so good. I was feeling a little overwhelmed due to lack of sleep. Some tragedies in our ward family lately have really woken me up to my blessings.