Birthday Week

Today I was looking at my calendar and realized that our birthday fun week is only 2 weeks away! I'm in need of some creative, yet simple and not too time consuming, cake ideas. Last year we had a party with Kara's little girl friends (which was a blast), but this year I think we will just be celebrating with family and keeping things simple. Kara's birthday is on the 11th and the twins on the 14th. Last year Kara wanted a big pink heart cake which was simple and very yummy!! I'm thinking it might be fun to stick with a traditional big pink heart cake for Kara and Ellie given the time of year and something different for Luke. Not sure what to do! The past few years with Kara have been so fun seeing her delight in what we come up with. Time is ticking, and we will see what we come up with. Any ideas are welcome!!!

Sunny Florida

We returned a couple days ago from spending a wonderful (although quite chilly) vacation visiting with our dear friends in Florida. We had such a relaxing time just spending time with them and seeing what their new life in Florida is like. They took us to Disney's Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios, and we had a blast!

My kids are having Tucker withdrawals (and so am I!!)...it was a lively house with 14 people living together for a week, and I think our house seems pretty quiet and boring compared to that! We had quite a few adventures while there. Florida had the lowest temperatures they have had in 80 years..BRRR! Our kids and I got the stomach flu which passed quickly and thankfully didn't pass beyond us...phew! We got a flat tire out on a late night adventure which ended up keeping us out til nearly 3 in the morning (this actually ended up being VERY fun and involved A LOT of laughter!). Kara was beside herself when she actually got to meet Cinderella...seriously in awe :) She and Cinderella chatted a while and then Kara squealed with joy "Cinderella twirled me!" She was in heaven! Other than these things, we mostly just relaxed and enjoyed each other's company and friendship.

We (ages 10 and up) stayed up super late every night and played games and talked after the little kids were in bed (admittedly this was one of my favorite parts!). We miss doing every day life with our friends, but are so glad we could see into their new world in Florida. We love you friends, and can't wait until our next visit!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year smooches all around!!!

Here's wishing you all a wonderful and blessed 2010!

Merry Christmas!!!!

We wish you all a Merry Christmas remembering our Savior Jesus Christ who came to dwell among us, live a sinless life, die on the cross for our sins and rise again so that we could have new life in Christ!! With thankful hearts we celebrate!

My Men

My handsome men...

oh how I love them!!

O Let Your Soul Now be Filled with Gladness

O let your soul now be filled with gladness

Your heart redeemed, rejoice indeed!

O may the thought banish all your sadness

That in his blood you have been freed,

That God's unfailing love is yours,

That you the only Son were given,

That by his death he has opened heaven,

That you are ransomed as you are.

If you seem empty of any feeling,

Rejoice - you are his ransomed bride!

If those you cherish seem not to love you,

And dark assails from every side,

Still yours the promise, come what may,

In loss and triumph, in laughter, crying,

In want and riches, in living, dying,

That you are purchased as you are.

It is a good every good transcending

That Christ has died for you and me!

It is a gladness that has no ending

Therin God's wondrous love to see!

Praise be to him, the spotless Lamb,

Who through the desert my soul is leading

To that fair city of joy exceeding,

For which he bought me as I am.

by Peter Jonsson Aschan

Does a mom's heart good...

This afternoon Kara and I were making supper together. This is often when we have some of our best talks..or most hilarious ones! For your entertainment...

Me: Kara, I just love cooking meals for our family. Isn't it fun to do it together?

Kara: Yes mom, it's so fun!

Me: Perhaps someday you will be able to enjoy cooking meals for your own husband and kids.

Kara: (no response...just a very sad look)

Me: What's wrong??

Kara: Momma, I don't want to leave! I want to stay here with you and Dad and Luke and Ellie. My husband and kids can just come over for a visit and eat with us here, then they can leave and I'll stay here with you.

HA! I love the way a three year old thinks, and I'm glad that this three year old loves her family. I know someday she will leave, and I realize it will come much more quickly than I can imagine. Until then, I will treasure our little chats and encourage her to love the roll that God may bless her with in her very own family someday.