Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Tanner turns 8 and get's baptized

What a very special day this was for our family. The spirit was very present and we had many of our close friends and family (Grandma and Grandpa Giles) to share it with us. Many kind words were spoken to Tanner and my heart melted as I agreed with all the nice compliments he was given. He really is a sweet and kind hearted boy. The program also included a wonderful talk by our dear friend, Ashley Morris, on baptism. I was privileged to talk on the gift of the Holy Ghost. Our neighbor and dear friend , Jake Lane, played the piano while Blake, Tanner, Sydney and Courtney sang "If the Savior Stood beside me". Mike, Dan Morris, Tom Moore, Tom Macdougal, and Greg Bashaw sang "How Great Thou Art". Mike baptized Tanner while Grandpa Giles Confirmed him and gave him the gift of the Holy Ghost.

It was a spiritual day and our hearts were full of Love and Joy for Tanner and especially for Our Savior and the wonderful blessing of Baptism.

New years eve was a blast

We spent New Years Eve as a family at our friends, Kristin and Tom Moore's along with most of the Auburn Hills Ward. It was busy with kids and people everywhere and was a truely enjoyable celebration. We had delicious food, games, great conversation, and even banging of pots and pans (for over 35 minutes). We concluded the evening listening to Tom play his guitar and sing for us. Did I mention we did not get home and in bed until around 2:00a.m. The next day Mom and Dad slept in until 9:00 while the others woke up in between with Tanner not making it out of bed until almost 12:00. The other 3 late nights prior deffinately did not help either.

We are blessed to have wonderful friends and so many things to look forward to for the upcoming year.

Christmas was wonderful

Christmas this year was sweet and simple. We stayed home and spent our Christmas eve making our yummy Navajo tacos. We also had yummy apple Carmel dip (from our friends-the Mulligan's), and yummy cream cheeses dip (From the Larsen's). The kids opened a gift (actually 2 because they also opened their pajama's from sweet Aunt Susie and Uncle Kurt). We read from Mathew in the scriptures. We sprinkled reindeer food outside for Santa's reindeer and made sure the cookies were set out. But, mostly we spent quality time together enjoying the wonderful gift of family. Because we enjoy each other so much it comes very easily for us.

Christmas morning was magical. Blake then Tanner then Sydney woke up. Mike nudged me to listen to their sweet little voices whisper excitement about seeing the stockings by the tree. After a bit they came in to tell us that they could see the stockings by the tree and so they knew Santa had come. They were trying hard to be very patient as we waited for Courtney to wake up. It took about 30 more minutes for her to wake up and then we all ran downstairs full of eagerness. Blake especially loved his bb gun and chauncy Billups jersey, Tanner especially loved his sweet baseball bat and webkin, Sydney was elated to get a robe and slippers, and Courtney did not need to go any further then her purple phone and pretend "real" vacuum, Mom was elated to see that dad had listened to her want for a robe, and dad seemed happy with his new "holeless" dress socks.

Ounce we had opened presents, we had cinnamon rolls and scones. They were delicious as dad had made a yummy honey butter to put on top of the scones. Mom cheated and made rodes cinnamon rolls (still feel guilty).

We played a game of Monopoly where I (mike might argue that he-because he stepped in at the very end) beat Blake.

We hung out all day in our pajamas all day. We made a homemade orange/lemon chicken for lunch. Mostly, we just enjoyed eachother all day.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Thanksgiving with Friends

We spent Thanksgiving at our friends, Laura and Jason Dickman, home. Shane, Janet, Kelsey, and Dakota Merrell were also with us.

Dinner was delicious! We had Spiral Ham, fabulous Turkey, Mashed potato's with gravy, cranberry jello salad, stuffing, rolls, fresh green beans, and scrumptious pies.

We were very thankful to have such a wonderful feast and enjoyable time.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Trip to Vail




Our kind friends, Rachael and Shawn invited us to stay in their time share condo with them. We stayed for 2 nights. It was such a beautiful time to be in the mountains. We had a really great time exploring the area. We hiked to Hanging Lake (shown above) and also tried to get to an old Tunnel. The crazy lighting storm/snow blizzard prevented us from reaching the final destination. However, we had a great time 4 wheeling up the mountain side and exposing ourselves to every weather element trying.
Even our drive back home was an adventure as we almost ran out of gas going over Vail pass. But, don't worry we safely coasted down the entire mountain pass in neutral and into the gas station which was thankfully located at the bottom of the mountain.

Friday, August 8, 2008

Sydney starts Kindergarten

8-08-08. Sydney is now officially a kindergartner. I cannot believe my mixed emotions of joy and sadness. I will miss my afternoons with her. This was our time to paint nails, work together, cook together, read together, watch TV together, and play together. I will miss our one on one time and will have to find moments other times to have them again. That is my sadness!
Now for my joy, I am excited for her to be in school because she is really excited to be going. She is eager to experience some of the things the boys have enjoyed. She loves to learn and will enjoy the social opportunities as well.

She looked so beautiful today. My heart was breaking to see her growing up before My eyes. We had gone shopping at the beginning of the week to pick out "the outfit". It was perfect and she looked so adorable and sweet. We even made sure her toe nails and fingernails were looking beautiful.

The teacher allowed us to come in with her for a few minutes. We read the Kissing Hand together as a class and then I kissed Sydney's hand and she kissed mine and then Courtney's and Daddy's. I tried to hold back the tears, but failed. I think this is why she was sad and unsure. So, as long as I hold it together the rest of the year, I am sure she will do just fine.