Winter Fun

Today I promised to take the kids sledding. I still had some last minute Christmas shopping, errands, and a doctors appt. before we could go. After taking care of all the above I realized that Emma, Taylor and myself actually needed clothes and or boots to sled in! So after spending a crap load of money on "warm clothes" we were finally off! Unfortunately at this point it was 4:30, so there was only 30 minutes left of daylight However, it turned out to be the best time to go. It was not super busy, we got to watch the sun set, we saw the Festival of Lights turn on and were able to hear the Christmas music playing, and to top it off it started to sprinkle snow. What else could you ask for to get you in the Christmas mood? Here are a few pictures I got before my camera died. Good times!!

Rick and EmmaEvie, Mason, JD, Bennett, Parker, Taylor R., Taylor H.Mason and JDDrew and I (yes, the white dots are snow!)

Until we meet again....

My Grandma Apodaca passed away on December 6, 2008. She was my mom's mom. When someone dies you tend to reflect on things you could have done differently while they were still here. She lived in California and we moved away when I was still small. Although I didn't live close to her the majority of my life, I wish I would have made more of an effort to really know her. The things I do remember about her were her happy smile, her genuine concern for her family, and her love for genealogy. Still, I feel I should have known more, been a better granddaughter, and treated her the way that I know she cared about me. She had a lot of history stored in her little brain. Even though she is not here anymore I hope to take the time to listen to the stories from the people that do know them.

I am glad I was able to attend the services and it gave me an opportunity to see family I hadn't seen in many years. It is always sad to me that it takes a death in the family for us all the make the effort to see one another.

Death is also a time when we contemplate what we are really grateful for. I am so thankful for my own mother and the example she has been to me. I am grateful that she has a testimony of the gospel and helped me build mine. I am thankful that she taught me to always put myself in the other person's shoes and to be of service to your fellow men.

Even though we are sad when we lose someone, I am thankful to know that we will see them again and that this is not the end.

My Baby is 3!!

On Friday December 5th Emma turned 3! I cannot believe how time flies! It has been so fun to experience a little girl in our family, however, Drew might disagree! She is feisty, sweet, very independent, a girly girl, but not afraid to get dirty or be tough like her brothers.

The very first present she opened was a new skirt. She was so excited that she put it on with her jammies..

Drew and I took her to lunch. Her request...Chili's. She likes their chips and salsa and queso! After that we took her to Build-A-Bear. That was our first experience there. Boy am I glad that Drew won $50 in gift certificates to the mall! I could seriously lay down some cash there! I want to build my own bear!

When we got there, Drew was trying to talk her into getting the Hello Kitty bear???cat?? whatever....that was his favorite. He skipped right over the Hannah Montana bear. When I showed her the bear, there was no going back. Her mind was set! I even let her put the little thing in the arm that sings "Best of Both Worlds". Emma was so nice to sing it for us all the way home! Poor Drew...

Later that night we celebrated with cake and ice cream. G&G Marshall, Shane & Kerri, Rick & Ali and G Ottesen all came. I think she had a great day! I feel so blessed to have her in my life. We love you Emma!