Sledding at "Boys Town"

Sledding at Grandma Dalley's house is always a blast! This year we headed out to the Sand Dunes to hit the big hills. As we approached the sledding hill I noticed the snow drifts forming. We all piled out of the car and realized that the famous Idaho wind had started to howl. Mitch and Zack made it up one time and we all got back in the car before we died of exposure!!

We decided to go back to "Boy's town" and see if we had better luck there.

It was fun to watch the kids get more and more brave. Little Caden was very very nervous. Betsy is such a good Mom and started going down the hill to show him it was okay. I got to use my new zoom lens and take pictures--until my fingers were about frozen!!

While we were there another family came to sled-as they were getting out of the car I realized that it was my cousin Kassie and her little kids! Emily and Samantha had a ball sledding together.

Mitch and Zack kept trying to make trains but seemed to crash every time. Justin was a little die hard! He climbed up that hill over and over. He kept turning backwards on the saucer so he never knew when he was going to hit the little jump--and then fly and crash! He got up laughing every single time!

We are always trying to get good family shots. This is the first year with baby Bentley. Weird to think that sweet baby Christa is a Momma. He is such a sweet little tiny thing!

The LeCheminant's

Christa, James, and Baby Bentley

The Carrigan family wasn't too excited about their family shot. Justin was nowhere to be found-at least not willing to stand for a picture!!

In the glow

One of my favorite parts of Christmas is the tree lit up in the dark! This year our little tree greeted me every morning at 4:30 am on my way to the gym. I would look at it and enjoy those little glowing lights.

As another Christmas and year fade into the recesses of memory I hope that I can remember those sweet moments of the season. It seems that some years are harder than others for varying reasons. 2010 seemed to be one of those years. However, there were blessings. There were moments of joy. One fact that I am grateful for is my knowledge of my Savior. Christmas gets really crazy with four children. It is easy to get wrapped up in the chaos. In those quiet moments in the glow of our little tree I am glad I have this knowledge.

Christmas Morning 2010

Santa Arrived!! During the night of Santa's visit he and his Elves moved our Christmas tree into the family room! It must have occurred to Santa that the piano room isn't big enough for a tree, presents and six people! There also isn't a chair for Daddy to rock in!

Justin was so excited about his Star War lego sets. He is quite the builder.

Ashley and Mitch were struggling being awake-Ashley said that her room is NOT the sleepover room ever again! Emily and Justin Started asking if it was time every half hour at 2:30am!

There always seems to be a crazy mess! I hope we didn't lose anyone in there!

"All I Want!"

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth!"

This cute little guy lost both his front teeth within two days! The second tooth he lost on the day Mom and Dad went to Boise. He dropped his little tooth box in the snow and lost it. He was heartbroken! How would the tooth fairy ever know? Lucky for Justin after everyone came home the tooth fairy found out about his tooth!

I just need to smooch on that little toothless face constantly!

Christmas Eve 2010

New Christmas P.J's!

For Christmas Eve we almost always go to Grandma Janet's house for clam chowder. Before that we let the kids open a present--it is always new pajamas!

This year we really wanted the kids to give gifts to each other. We haven't always done this. We began a new tradition of opening the gifts to each other on Christmas Eve. This way it won't get lost in the shuffle on Christmas morning. Justin and Emily really got into buying their gifts. They really really thought about their purchases. They both used their own money--Justin's coming from losing his teeth! We went to the little dollar store and he really thought about his gifts. A necklace for Ashley, a porcelain doll for Emily and some safety goggles for Mitch(so he could use them with his air soft guns). Even though he only spent a few dollars I think that his little heart was totally in the right place. Hopefully, they will get better at really thinking of others and understand how good it is to give! Emily really thought about her gifts as well. She went all out for Justin, buying him a great pirate outfit. She got Ash a necklace and Mitch some Dr. Pepper--his favorite.

Christmas Eve we also let them open one other gift. It was Just Dance 2 for the Wii. It was hysterical to watch the kids trying to "karaoke dance" to the image on the screen! They must have danced for two hours--maybe more! After the two little kids went to bed Ashley and Mitch sat around showing Dad funny youtube videos. It was after 1:00am before they went to bed. It was a fun Christmas Eve.

Ward Christmas Party

When we were getting ready to leave for the church Christmas party Justin became very serious, "Mom, I need to put my suit on, to look nice for the program." Ok, my little man! He certainly was a mighty fine dressed young man right there on the front row!!

Father Christmas came to talk with the children. He visited with them and then gave them a sack of treats with an orange in the sack! The kids all thought that was great. I remember when we used to have an orange in the bottom of our stocking!

While we were waiting to eat dinner Justin pulled out his front tooth! Just in time for Christmas! The tooth fairy was one tricky gal! She hides that money so well that usually Mom has to go in to help find it!

Grandma Dalley's Christmas Box

My children look forward to "Grandma's Christmas box!" It is a tradition that she has done for years. At the beginning of December Grandma Dalley sends a special Christmas box. In it are special ornaments. My children know with anticipation that these special ornaments will be angels for the girls and Santas for the boys. All the children are amassing quite a collection. We could have a separate tree decorated with only Santas and one with only Angels. This is a tradition that I hope will continue for many many more years!

Our "Polar Express Trip!"

At the beginning of December we went to Heber, Utah and took a train ride on the "North Pole Express!" It was such a fun night. We knew that we needed to go this year or Emily would be too big to love it. Justin was so excited!


One of Justin's favorite things to do in the whole world is sit next to his Daddy!

Justin and Em were all dressed in their jamma's---Justin even had on his robe--with no hole in his pocket-we checked!

As we headed toward the North Pole Justin watched out the window. We looked and looked for the reindeer. As we came around the lake it wasn't frozen over. Which explained why we were not driving ON the ice. Justin noticed the lights far off in the distance. He told me, "Mom, that is the Elf Village over there". I just started to tear up.

After the children were given hot chocolate and a cookie a special surprise--Mrs. Claus! She came by and spoke to all the children. She told them how proud Santa was of them for being such wonderful children.

Then we passed the North Pole! Santa was there waving. Santa then got on the train and came and visited with every single child. He gave them a special little gift-a little wooden top! Emily wasn't feeling well at this point so she didn't sit on his lap.
Justin asked Santa for some Star Wars legos!

After Santa left we sang Christmas Carols. I had one of those "Mother Moments" when I could hardly contain my emotions. As I tried to sing the songs I kept looking at these two little ones and just felt such love for them. I am so glad that we got to go and have this experience with them. The sheer joy and excitement that they felt could almost be touched. I know that they will treasure this experience forever. I know that I will!

We got silver bells for all the children so that they could always remember to "Believe."

Getting our 2010 Christmas Tree

While is was still November we made our annual trek to get our fresh Christmas tree. We have had a fresh tree forever. It has become a ritual for Dave and I. The little kids still love it, the big kids-not so much. However, this year I told Ashley that she had to come with us because it might possibly be the very last time that she ever goes with us to cut down our tree. She balked but in the end was the one that found our lovely little tree.

We go to a local tree farm that has been owned by this elderly gentleman for years. He is only open a few days now, if can't get there you are out of luck! We didn't go to Idaho so we were in town!

Emily helped Mitch with cutting duties and Justin helped with his cuteness! Mom has to remind everyone that we can't have a massive tree. We have to use my shortness to actually make sure we don't get more tree than our house can handle!!

We were sad when we realized that Mr. Knapp was not well enough to run the farm this year.

In the end we brought home a darling little tree.

Christmas Eve 2010

(Dalley Family 1969-I am the baby)

Most of the packages are wrapped! Dave is making carmels and the kids are anxiously awaiting their new pajamas to wear over to Grandma's house.

Nothing like being a child at Christmas!

Crazy that it is almost Christmas and the only thing I have posted is an infomercial for Shutterfly.

I have been busy, rather crabby, behind. To say the least there have been a million things going on. I hope that I can do a December WrapUp. There have been some lovely moments.

So-now that I have my Christmas cards back--I love the Shutterfly cards, however, they are EXPENSIVE! I was going to order extra and about died at the cost. I ordered from Costco-who needs a bigger selection of designs or a new designer but their quality was great and they were fast and cheap!

Merry Christmas!

Thanks for reading the little infomercial! Shutterfly ran a special for free cards! I do like their stuff!

CHRISTMAS CARD DECISION--WHICH CARD TO CHOOSE!!!!

In the last four years we have been to lots of weddings. When I say lots I mean LOTS and LOTS! Since Dave started serving with the single young adults we have had 76 weddings!! That doesn't include the other weddings that are with friends and neighbors!!

That my friends is a whole lot of weddings. I have noticed a lot of things at all of these weddings. Some good, some not so much. I have realized that there are a lot of things that people do for receptions that are totally unnecessary. The little glitter on the tables--not so necessary.

What I have realized is that the only thing that really has any lasting value from these weddings is the actual vows and covenants made to one another and the pictures that are taken. I have told many, many brides to be to focus on their photographer---spend their money there, not on the doilies on the table.

One of the things that I have noticed in the last four years is the way that many brides do guestbooks now. They are often scrapbooks with pictures that the guests sign. This is brilliant!!! One of my favorite guestbooks is actually a hardbound picture book made by Shutterfly. These are beautiful! I am going to start making these for my family! There are books that the company assembles for you, just upload pictures. If you are more daring you can create every page yourself.

Shutterfly also has Christmas cards. Last year was the first year that I actually did a printed card--I loved it! This year I am trying to decide between the many styles that Shutterfly has.

This one is leading the list!





If you have never looked at Shutterfly go to their website and browse. You will be amazed.

Check out their Holiday Cards . They have Christmas cards down to a science!

If you are interested in more birthday cards they have those as well.

For those of you with hard to buy people they have unique gifts. Mouse pads, mugs, Christmas ornaments, stamps, stickers,calendars, huge cutouts that mount on the wall, canvas prints--you name it.

Consider Shutterfly if you are thinking of ordering books, stationary or cards! I will let you know which one I order--perhaps you will get one in the mail!!

Happy Thanksgiving 2010!

This is the first time in my life that I am having Thanksgiving in my own home. My Mom's kitchen is gutted so we couldn't go there. She was going to come here but Mr. Weather scared her away. We are here wondering how in the world to cook a Thanksgiving meal!! We are setting the table--don't laugh--with Christmas dishes because they are the only dishes that we have enough of! I didn't want to use plastic-it doesn't feel nice enough!

Wish me luck!!!

Thankful

Today I am Thankful!

Today I am thankful. I am thankful that Justin is still little enough that he wants to sit on my lap and cuddle. Sometimes I hold him a bit longer than he wants, but I just keep trying to drink his sweetness in. I have been trying to drink him in since he was born. I am all too aware that the "little" stage goes away quickly.

I am grateful that Dave is a patient man. He puts up with me and my moods. He puts up with listening to me over -analyze things from healthy eating to why people are motivated or not. He has listened to my bodily function woes for almost 25 years! He is just a patient guy.

I am grateful for google. I am an information junkie. I have questions about everything. Some big, some (most) small. Why is something named that? When was the constitution signed? What is crossfit? What will help digestion? On and on-google answers most of these--sometimes it causes more questions! I have often been teased about the things I know about. I know a little bit about a lot of things--however, I have the tools to find out just about anything--I am thankful for that!

I am grateful that Ashley is turning into such a lovely young woman. She is still quite the "queen" around our house but she is becoming a decent person.

I am thankful that Mitch has finally become an easy eater. He was so picky as a little person that it was awful. He will try just about anything now. He is a great all around kid with a hidden sense of humor.

I am thankful that Emily still enjoys dressup. I don't always enjoy the clothes spread all around the basement but I am glad that she still has a bit of little girl left in her.

I am thankful for my body. Most of the time I am cussing this body--it is too short, too square, too much skin, etc. etc. etc. But the truth is that I am really blessed. In general I am really healthy. My body allows me to workout daily and feel good about it. I am grateful that I am in a place that I have a desire to push my body physically. I haven't always had that desire. I realize how difficult exercise can be. I am grateful that I have been able to create a habit of exercise that gets me out of bed at 4:30a.m. five days a week. I know that sounds crazy. It is a bit crazy. However, I am thankful for it because I have never been able to be consistent with exercise for any length of time until now. Exercising and getting up early have helped me to not have the winter blues.

I am grateful that I have friends. I have friends that listen to me complain about life. Complain about stupid things. I have friends that allow my children to play at their houses for hours. I have friends that come and pick me up every morning at 4:45 am. I have friends that will paint my kitchen for me or make me beautiful Temple pictures to hang on my wall. Most of all I am thankful that I have friends that are there for me--even when I am not the best friend for them.

I am thankful that I have enough experience in my life that generally I am pretty forgiving of people. I realize that most people are doing the best they know how. They might not be doing the best they could but they just need people to love them. If we all felt more love we would be so much more successful in every aspect of life.

I am thankful that I have so many opportunities. I know that I often complain but the truth is that I AM so blessed. I have many opportunities that others do not have. I hope that I can always try and remember this. I hope that when I forget that my friends will gently remind me.

I pray that I can try to always remember to be thankful. I am so, so blessed

Trying to Focus and Finish is harder for me than it sounds. I get sidetracked with so many things that need done and so many things that don't NEED done! I get frustrated that I can't seem to motivate my children to use the laundry baskets or to pick up a towel. I can't even motivate them to move sometimes! I worry that they will grow up and not be functional citizens because they fight constantly and don't ever seem to find a need to do--well anything that looks like work!

When I look around at my house I often feel like a total failure. I see all the walls that need dusted, spackled and repainted. I see the tree that I have forgotten to water for three months with it's sad, droopy leaves falling off. I see my messy bulletin board that needs emptied. I see my yucky tile grout that has gone dark in some places. I see the picture frames that I bought two years ago, still empty and not on the wall. I see the wedding present--from September-still not delivered.

I look and see some mess or problem in every corner of my life.

Sometimes it really depresses me. I feel less than capable. I feel like a sloucher. I feel less than.

I am trying to not let that wave of thought overtake my life. I realize that lots of the messes that I deal with are just that "life". I am not the only one that deals with them. I am not alone with the frustration of raising children. I am not that picked on. In reality I know this. Most days. Some days it really is overwhelming, however.

I recently read a darling post by a gal that seemed to resonate with me. She has similar feelings of inadequacy and frustration. However, on this particular day she decided to write down little things that she is thankful for. Not just the big huge things like a house, job and food. She wrote about little details that in a few years will be lost in the crevices of her mind.

I decided that I need to do this as well.

Check out Shawnee's post here.

Wow-it is Wednesday again. A full week since I wrote my post about Focus-Finish

I am still struggling.

So-I am going to go and Focus on my laundry. Finish isn't something that has ever happened with laundry but I am going to try!!!

Focus/Finish!

I have a new mantra that I am trying to stick to

FOCUS-FINISH

I get sidetracked, A LOT!


So, I am trying to stay focused and finish things.

This is a quick example of how I can avoid things. I have an old dresser in my bedroom. I really need to get rid of it. Two of the drawers don't work right so I barely use them for clothes. The other I do but those undies could be moved. The rest of the dresser is a hutch type top. Truly what it has been for the majority of twenty years is a junk collector/bookshelf/major dust keeper.

Well, today I started dusting in my bedroom. You know that kind of dusting where you look behind something and gag because the dust is so thick you can't tell what color the carpet is? Well, it led me to start cleaning off the top of my dresser. Eewh! gross! There was some cold medicine sitting there that expired in 09. It is so embarrassing!

One problem that I discovered is that I am not a collector yet I have things that are "treasures" from my past. Rocks from my deceased Uncle, belt loops from when Dave was a kid, little kitschy things I bought in Germany(little tiny replicas of castles-I have since learned just don't buy them-they only look cute in tourist shops!). I don't know what to do with these things! I don't know if I will regret it if I throw them out. I know that my Mom was at about this point in her life when once they were cleaning out and they threw out letters she and my Dad had written to each other dating. She has regretted that for many, many years! I don't want to have regrets yet I don't want to drown in junk!!!

So, with my new mantra ---Focus/Finish I am starting this mess. This dresser is going to go away. It is a junk collector. I sit stuff on it that I don't want to deal with. It is going to take awhile. I have only just begun. There are two little drawers that have lots of little "decisions" to make.

FOCUS/FINISH FOCUS/FINISH!!!!!!

Halloween 2010

Pumpkin Patch 2010!

Miss Emily and Justin needed pumpkins. So to the patch we went. It is always so fun to see a huge mound of glorious orange! Big ones, little ones, squatty ones. Ones with warts, one with a funny bump on the side. Ones with no stem, ones with a big green spot, or a dent on the side. It is a delightful treat for the senses!

Justin took his time choosing his perfect pumpkin. He walked over the entire patch. Picking them up, looking at all sides and then moving on until he found HIS perfect pumpkin!

Emily was quicker to choose. She found a perfectly lovely round pumpkin, not too big not too little!

For the three years Dave was the Bishop of the Singles ward we had a special Halloween pumpkin carving Family Home Evening. Since the very first one when Justin was barely two he wanted Tim to carve his pumpkin. Every year after that he would go up to Tim with his pumpkin and ask him to help him. Well, Tim came to the rescue again! He brought his trusty power tools and made Justin's masterpiece! He also helped Emily after she drew the design.

Emily had her friend Kaitlyn with she and Justin.

It doesn't seem like it has been long enough that I only have two little enough to still go trick or treating! Ashley was at a volleyball tournament and Mitch was fishing with Dave. It left Emily and Justin. They had a ball going with the Lucas family. It poured down with rain. They came back and inspected their loot and just giggled about all the places that they went to.

Halloween 2010