Overheard Conversation

Treyson: There are so many people in my class that don't believe in Santa.
Keaton: Mine, too.
Treyson: I can't believe it!  {pause}  Brendan Armijo doesn't believe.
Keaton: Really? That's bad.
Treyson: You have to admit, though. Santa is really fat.
Keaton: Ya.

Elf Yourself

Capricorn

I not a person who checks their horoscope.  In fact, I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've actually read my horoscope in my lifetime.  But, this was on MSN's homepage today, so I read it, and found that it pretty much hit the nail on the head. 

When it comes to professionalism and traditional values, Capricorn wins hands-down. This practical sign loves to tackle life in the most conventional of ways, leaving no stone unturned. Considered the most serious-minded of the signs, the Capricorn possesses an independence that allows for considerable progress both personally and on the job.
Friends and Family
Combining a strong wit and a love of humor, the Capricorn makes terrific company for those they choose as friends. They will surround themselves with people who are honest, loyal, and like-minded when it comes to working values. They cherish loved ones and will go any distance to help a friend or family member. Traditional by nature, the Capricorn loves nothing more than holidays, such as Christmas, that bring people together with a variety of activities. Although a Capricorn isn't apt to have a large social circle, those included in this sign's life will find someone who is steadfast and true. Emotional displays are not common for a Capricorn. They would rather show how they feel through deeds than expression with words.
Career and Money
Ambition is the key word for this sign. The key phrase for Capricorn is I use. The Capricorn possesses a real knack for finding the right tool for the job and getting down to it. Starting at the bottom of the ladder and working their way to the top doesn't scare the Capricorn off. They will go the distance once a goal is set.
In addition to setting high standards for themselves, honesty, perseverance, and a dedication to duty make the Capricorn an excellent manager. Loyalty and a willingness to work as hard as necessary are qualities that this sign values greatly within themselves and in those around them. Careers in management, finance, teaching, and real estate are excellent choices.
Capricorns are resourceful and manage their time and money well. Every now and then, the urge to spend some hard-earned cash can see this sign packing some large shopping bags with fun and frivolous items out of the store. But as a rule, caution goes hand in hand with the Capricorn making practical purchases more likely than anything else. Multifunctional items are definitely favored.
Ruling Planet  The ruling planet for Capricorn is Saturn. Considered the taskmaster of the horoscope, Saturn rules theories, scientific law, patience, timing, tradition, conventionality, and the productive use of time.
Colors  The color of choice for Capricorn is brown. In fact, most dark colors do well for this sign.
Gemstone  Capricorn's star stone is the black onyx.
Lucky Numbers  Capricorn's lucky numbers are 6, 8, and 9.
Compatibility  Capricorns are most compatible with Taurus and Virgo.
Opposite Sign  The opposite sign for Capricorn is Cancer.
The Perfect Gift  Practical, dark-colored, well-made clothing and high-tech gadgets
Likes  Family, tradition, quality craftsmanship, understated status, music
Dislikes  Almost everything at some point
Best Travel Destination  Mexico, Cuba, India, Delphi, Oxford
Strengths  Responsible, good managers, disciplined, self-control, dark sense of humor
Weaknesses  Know-it-all, unforgiving, condescending, expecting the worst
Charismatic marks  Medium build, can get in shape with effort but tends to be a bit soft
Best environment  Positive work situation, urban environments with culture and style, anyplace to be in charge

Panic

Today is Monday, December 20th.

Treyson just handed me this:

There was a bit of panic on my part, but then I remembered how incredibly smart and in-tune Santa is.  I'm sure he got Treyson something on this list!!

BIRTHDAY TIMES TWO

My dad, grandpa, and Ty share a birthday which I think it completely cool!

I will always be thankful for Doctor Melendez who agreed to induce me 3 days before my due date so that Ty could share his birthday with his Grandpa H and Great-Grandpa Ray.  I am also thankful that I went into labor on my own on that day, and didn't have to be induced. 

It was meant to be!

At any rate, December 17 is a special day for our family, and we felt very lucky to be able to celebrate with Grandpa H, since he and Grandma H were here for another special event: Ty's ordination!!

We celebrated by stuffing ourselves to the brim at the Chinese Buffet.  We definitely ate our meal cost in crab legs!!!  {They probably lost money on our family!!}

The night was complete with a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday To You",  and Ty's very own chocolate cake, complete with candle.

It was a fun night!

 On Sunday, December 19th, Ty was ordained a Deacon and received the Aaronic Priesthood.   What a wonderful day it was.  I am so proud of the man Ty is becoming.  On Sunday, November 28th, Tanner advanced to the office of a Teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood.  Of course, I could go on and on about that, too, but I won't.

TWELVE

Ty turned TWELVE today.

Wow.

I don't even know what to say other than
I DON'T LIKE IT.

I want to scream at the top of my lungs,
 "STOP GROWING UP SO FAST!!!"

But, instead, I just hug him, and kiss his cute cheeks, and try to accept it.

{Two Weeks Old}

Ty was the most mellow, sweet baby.  I can't even begin to tell you how much I appreciated that after having a baby as miserable and sick as Tanner was.  Ty was content to just sleep in his swing or crib, and hardly ever fussed. 

{Twelve Years Old}

 After 12 years, I can't say much has changed about Ty.  Except of course, that he's GROWN!!  He is still a mellow, sweet boy, who is content with just being.

I love him so very, very much and am so thankful to have him in our family!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TYGER!!!

DRHS State Championship Game

Today we pulled our kids out of school early to head to Cardinal Stadium in Glendale to cheer on our high school's football team in the State Championship Game.  We caravaned with the Steck family and had a blast!

DRHS wasn't even supposed to be able to compete against Hamilton High School, but they held their own and nearly pulled off a HUGE upset!  Maybe next year!!

After the game we went to grab a bite to eat...4 adults and 12 children certainly turned some heads!  Hee hee hee... 

Destiny

Yesterday I was reminded of why I was destined to be the mother of boys.

"Why?", you ask...

Well, because they can come up to me and say,

"Look what I just pulled out of my EAR!!  It's HUGE!  And GROSS!!"...

and I didn't even flinch. 

 In fact,

I looked,

agreed that it was "huge" and "gross",

 and then went on doing what I was doing.

It's destiny, I tell ya! 

Noel

[One of my very favorite things about Christmas]

Probably the best Christmas album ever made.

I'm just sayin'.

Dear Santa,

{Tate's List}

{Ty's List}

FOURTEEN

My Tanner turned FOURTEEN on Saturday.

I didn't like it.

But I
{L-O-V-E}
 this child and can't imagine my life without him in it!!!

{Two Weeks Old}
Who could have guessed that this chubby, cantankerous, allergy-ridden baby would turn into such an amazing young man? 

We had some fun with Tanner (or, at his expense) in the weeks following up to his birthday.  The ONLY thing (O.N.L.Y.!!!!) he wanted was a new guitar.  He started asking for one about 5 months ago and even bookmarked the website page that had the one he wanted. 
We told him, "Tan, it's really expensive."
and
"Well, I don't know bud.  That's a big, expensive gift...more than we usually spend on birthday gifts."
and
"I think that guitar is too advanced for you."
and
"Oh, man...I hope you're not too disappointed."
and even
"If you don't stop irritating your brothers you won't EVER get a new guitar!!!"

The day before his birthday his Facebook status read:
"My parents aren't getting me a guitar."
I responded:
"Those dang parents!!"
He didn't think that was very funny. 
He erased it shortly after I responded.

But...his birthday came, and his "dang" parents, and both sets of grandparents, came through.
If you look closely, you may even catch the small glimmer of a smile on his face. 

That's a rare thing from my teenage boy.

After the guitar was opened and tuned, we cranked up the fire pit, roasted marshmallows, made S'mores, and listened to Tanner strum on his new guitar.  He even sang a little but shhhhhh...don't tell him I told you!!!

Happy Birthday, Tanner J! 

I {heart} you!!!