Ty got this Webkinz for Christmas.

Tanner and Ty named him, "Tiger, because he's a cheat-a".

Doh!

Christmas 2009

I am having a hard time believing that Christmas has already come and gone. We had a quiet, wonderful Christmas this year, and I'm loving that all of my boys are home for some much needed "down time". I enjoy having them home, especially during the great moments when they're all getting along, playing together, laughing together, and having fun.

The last couple of weeks have been pretty busy. I made 35 caramel apples. Some for my book club friends, and the rest went to Kev's employees.

We also went to the Mesa L.D.S. temple grounds to look at the lights. I found myself wishing that it was Temple Square in SLC. The Mesa lights are pretty, but nothing compares to the Salt Lake temple lights, in my opinion.

On Christmas Eve day, Kevin took the boys to the Chipmunk's movie so that I could finish up some wrapping, etc. When they got home we put together our favorite dinner--home-made Pizza Pockets!! Yummy!!After dinner was eaten and cleaned up we gathered in the living room for a fantastic F.H.E. on the birth of Jesus. We talked about the prophets who foretold of His birth. When we finished we read Grandpa H's annual Christmas poem, and then the boys got to open 1 gift...
Of course it was PJ's!!
Everyone got ready for bed and then Tate and I went outside to sprinkle the Reindeer Food on the "grass". (unfortunately, for us it was in ROCKS!!!)
I had a chance to snap this picture right after Santa delivered all of the gifts. It looked magical!

Christmas morning started with some really excited boys jumping on our bed at about 5:45 a.m. I couldn't complain too much about that...I heard a rumor that my nephews woke their parents up around 3:30 a.m.!!!

Each boy took turns unwrapping their gifts.Then we had a big breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausage, freshly picked grapefruit, and our favorite: Monkey Bread!!
Kevin finally got his present after breakfast...

A BBQ smoker.

He was so excited!

(as you can tell by this goofy look on his face)

I'm thankful for a wonderful year we've had, and I look forward to all the new experiences 2010 will bring!

Me? Complain? Well...maybe.

Who knew that it would lead to an early Christmas present from my sweet hubby ??

Can't wait to try it out!!

Happy 11th Birthday Ty!!!

Ty got to have two birthday dinners this year because Grandpa H (who shares his birthday) was here and we had to go out to celebrate with him. So, on Monday night we went to Ty's favorite place...Barro's Pizza!!! A rare picture of Tanner smiling--well, half smiling--but that's more than usual in a photo!! Time for gifts!!On his actual birthday Kev and I took him to his second favorite restaurant, Olive Garden. Before we left we surprised him with his gift from us...A New Bike!!! Happy 11th Birthday Ty!!! I love you!!!

Arrow Of Light

Ty recieved his Arrow of Light tonight and believe me, it wasn't without a lot of cramming and help from Sister Calkins, his kind and caring leader.

It was such a cool ceremony, which, of course, isn't documented very well because of my stupid camera. I think this was my same gripe around Christmas last year. I'd better give Santa a call and ask for another new camera!

Grandpa's Funeral

December 4, 2009

Mona City Cemetary

It's Official...

...He's A Teenager!!!

The only thing Tanner wanted (from Kev and I) for his birthday was a new bike. Well, he's stinkin' spoiled because this is the super-duper-maximum-over-the-top-deluxe version of a bicycle.

Along with the bike came the rules:

This bike cost more than you. Take care of it.

I know...there's nothing like a tight-wad mom to put a damper on an otherwise happy day.

G&G Hawkins gave him an iHome--SCORE!That night Kevin and I took him for his favorite meal...SUSHI!!! Don't you love how Kevin was more concerned about showing the sushi in the photo than making sure that Tanner and I were in focus. Priorities, priorities... On the way to sushi we amused Tanner with stories of the day he was born. He couldn't wait until we got to the restaurant.

I couldn't be more proud of this kid. He turned me to mush the day he was born and continues to do it today. He is a good student, kind friend, and over all awesome young man. I love you, Tan-Man! Happy Birthday!!!

Thanksgiving 2009

Thanksgiving was relatively quiet at our house this year! It was just me and my boys and enough food to feed an army...

I haven't figured out how to fix a small Thanksgiving dinner. And, I figure it's good practice for when they're all grown and will devour all of that food in no time!

On the menu this year: Turkey breast, honey ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, sliced sweet potatoes in brown sugar (my favorite), homemade sausage stuffing, stuffed mushrooms, shrimp cocktail, crescent rolls, and some sparkling grape juice. It took me 5 hours to prepare it and about 10 minutes to eat it. I think next year we'll go out instead.
I was, however, pretty proud of this dairy-free pumpkin pie for my other pumpkin, Tanner. It's his favorite and this year it turned out PERFECT! Now, if I only liked pumpkin pie...
The news of the passing of my grandpa put me in a bit of a sad mood for this usually happy holiday, but I was able to reflect on some of my funniest and happiest times with my grandpa. I will miss him, but am so very thankful for my knowledge of Heavenly Father's plan, and find peace in knowing that I will see my grandpa again. I am blessed with so many things, and enjoyed sitting around the table with my little family, telling each other what we are thankful for.

Now...on to Christmas...

Grandpa

Ray M. Myers
1915 ~ 2009
Ray Macfarlane Myers, age 93, passed away November 26, 2009 at his home in Mona, Utah. He was born December, 17, 1915 in Windser, Garfield County, Utah to Caesar and Winifred Ethel Macfarlane Myers. He married Agnes Newton December 23, 1938 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. She passed away January 6, 1997. He worked in residential construction and attended school in Berkeley, California, before moving to Salt Lake City. While living in Salt Lake City he attended and graduated from Molar Barber College. He served his country in World War II from 1943-1946. He resided in Mona for over 60 years, where he served on the town board in several positions. He owned and operated the Myers Barber Shop in Nephi for 30 years. He also owned and operated the A&R Drive-in for many years. He was an active member of the LDS Church, having served in many leadership positions. He was an avid sportsman and loved gardening. He is survived by his two daughters, Charlyce (Don) Fowkes of Las Vegas, Nevada and Beverly (Lloyd) Hawkins of American Fork, Utah; 7 grandchildren and 21great-grand children; a sister, Mary Foy. Preceded in death by his wife; son, Kip; granddaughter, Shelly; sister, Ruth; brother, Champ. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 4, 2009 in the Mona 1st Ward. Family and friends may call Friday prior to the services from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Interment will be in the Mona City Cemetery.

Grandpa sitting in his favorite spot on his driveway. It was the perfect place to watch the comings and goings at the post office, and also to doze. I'm not sure what he was telling Bevan here, but Kip looked amused...he must have been giving Bevan the 'what for'!

This is a photo of grandpa and my boys at the Diamondbacks game. It was quite the experience! You can read about it here.

I will miss you, Grandpa!

When Someone Gives You A Free Ticket...

...you take it. And you stand in a line that wraps around the mall for an hour.
And you slowly make your way to one of three theaters and find a fantastic seat.
And then you sit there for another hour listening to the obnoxious girls sitting next to you.
And you pay an insane amount of money for a pretzel and a drink.
And you get to spend an evening with two beautiful ladies and enjoy a movie full of vampires and werewolves. {Photo taken from Smooch}
And you have a blast!!!

Our Family Tree

{according to Tate}

And, speaking of family trees...have you checked out the new genealogy website??? If not, here's the link...

New Family Search
Be careful, though! It's addicting!!!

Trey's Big Day

Treyson's Baptism Day

{November 14, 2009}Treyson was baptized and confirmed by his dad today. It was extra special because he and his best friend, Keaton, were baptized on the same day!
We had a family party (including our "Arizona" family, the Stecks) at the park after the baptism. He loved having G&G Lewis, and G&G Hawkins there, and Uncle Scott and Aunt Katherine were even able to come!!! I am so proud of Trey for making the decision to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He is such a sweetheart, and I am blessed to have him for a son. He radiates love and happiness, is kind and caring, and is a great example not only to his little brother, but his big brothers as well. Congratulations, Trey!!! I love you!!!

I feel like this bicycle.
I have been stuck in a blogging rut for a while now and can't seem to get out.
For some reason my life feels so overwhelming lately.
My grandpa is dying. A friend was just diagnosed with stage 4 Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. My little buddy, Treyson, is getting baptized next Saturday (which is definitely NOT a bad thing--just something I need to start preparing for). My house is a mess, and I have company coming next week. I need to sand and paint my pantry (woo hoo that it's done, though!!!). We have family pictures today, on top of a soccer game and a ward party, which I volunteered to bring chili to. My hair straightener broke, which means I'm going to have "fuzzy" hair for our pictures, because I don't want to spend $100 for a new one. I have to go do some Christmas shopping today because I've procrastinated on a sale at Target and it ends today. And, to top it all off, we have a prairie dog that's taken residence in our yard.
Seriously.

So be patient with me. I'm sure I'll be back to my old blogging self soon.
Until then...

Halloween 2009

We had a good Halloween this year. It was pretty mellow, which I love. We carved pumpkins on Saturday morning after Ty's soccer game. In the afternoon we went to Tanner's baseball game, then we came home and got ready for Trick or Treating. Tanner didn't want to carve a pumpkin, and made plans to trick or treat with his friends. We missed him!!! We trick or treated around our neighborhood with the Stecks, making stops along the way to have home-made donuts and root beer at the Standages, and visiting with friends. By 8 p.m., Trey and Tate were worn out and in bed. Ty stayed up with Kevin and I watching the World Series, and Tanner got home around 9 p.m. It was a long day, but a great day!