When you don't have snow...

You get CREATIVE. After visiting our local tree farm, we asked the guys there if we could have the extra "cuts" off the trees. (They had a nice pile going)
We brought them h0me, "cleaned" them the best we could, and this is what we came up with!

This is pretty self explanatory. First, glue the rounds together, with hot glue.

Add some decorations...

Then Voila! There you have it, The Mister & Misses.

Hope you all have a WONDERFUL Christmas, full of FAMILY, FRIENDS, and MEMORIES to last a lifetime!

Tea Time

I was able to have "tea" with my little girl... it was very interesting. The boys were gone, doing their ususal mid-week things. She said to me "Mama, pay wif me, pease" How could I say no? My first Mother Daughter tea party! It was pure heaven.

Photos

I needed a way to corral Paige, so after a morning of playing in the sandbox I put her in the kitchen sink...this is what came out of it! I saw an opportunity and I took it! I don't know who had more fun.

LiFe...

I'm still here!
The past 6 weeks have been some of the busiest weeks of my life. I was called to the Primary presidency, my brother got engaged AND married, I taught sharing time for the month of April, I started training for my first half marathon... and the list goes on.

Half Marathon training is interesting. Your diet changes, more carbs, strange, I know, I'm running A LOT, and I'm having the time of my life. Saturdays are the long runs, this week I will be tackling an 8 mile run. Noah has started going with me on the shorter runs, he rides his bike, we thoroughly enjoy the site seeing!

I will be posting pictures of the wedding reception, and the kids. ( I think life has calmed down now... a little.)

Engagement

Incase you haven't heard...

Its official! Zach and Jenni are getting married, April 17. I'm so excited!

We went to the Portland Temple on Saturday and shot engagement photos. Zach and Jenni are so cute together. It was a lot of fun for me to watch them laugh, and "try" to be serious for some of the photos. This is one of my favorites. The whole thing takes me back to when Aaron and I were engaged. All the planning, planning, planning... It has been fun for me to help out, when they ask, with the plans. So far, so good!

There is a bitter-sweet feeling for me during all the "run-around" and planning. This is my "baby" brother, although Jenni is perfect for him, he's still the last sibling to get married... That means I'm really old.

Growing up, he was always the one that could put a smile on my face when I was down, and still does, he's my sunshine. He would do crazy dances to make me laugh, tell me funny jokes, or just put his arms around me. He's grown up now, getting married, and moving out. Things will change, but for the better!

Jenni is an amazing woman, she is loving, understanding, and has a wonderful sense of humor. This has been a wonderful week for me, I've had more of a chance to get to know her, and I understand why Zach loves her. She will be a wonderful addition to our family.

A Reason to Celebrate

My birthday started out not much different than any other day, but that's the way I wanted it. Aaron did however, take the kids for a bit.

This was the year to renew my drivers license. Lets just say, I don't like the DMV anymore.

I was able to head to one of my favorite Vintage Shops in Hillsboro. After Noah and I searched for awhile, we found the most gorgeous camera, and it is in perfect condition! Its an ArgoFlex 75, and it came in the original box. What a find!

It ended with a wonderful dinner, Baja Fresh. I didn't have to cook! That's a treat in itself. Thanks guys!

We celebrated with the Family on Sunday, little did I know...

My parents decided to forgo celebrating their birthdays to surprise me with a small party! After not liking the idea of turning 32, I went home with a big smile on my face. This may have been one of the best years yet. It was quite Sweet.

Thanks Annette for the yummy cookies! They were a hit!

The House...

Here it is...

This is our house! So far... We are 75 days from moving in! I can't wait!!!! Aaron and I are learning the stresses of buying and building the first time around. An adventure... that's the only way I know how to describe it! We have NO free time, I thought it was bad before the house! Noah has already decided that he is going to have a friend living next door, that's my social boy! After almost 9 months, I am ready to be in my own house, have my own dishes, use my own sheets, dishwasher, bathroom (we've been sharing with my brother)...etc. I think you get the idea.

I will keep you all updated! Oops...I promised Paige pictures....ENJOY! She is a ray of Sunshine!