Jeff's Birthday!

Every year for Jeff's birthday, we stay at a hotel in Salt Lake. We stayed at the Hyatt this year which is right next to the Gateway. The highlight was seeing the movie Avatar in 3D. We went to the 11:59 Thursday night showing and both thoroughly enjoyed it. We also enjoyed shopping and eating at Tucanos. It is one of the weekends that I look forward to the most and this year did not disappoint. We had a great time! Thanks to our families for watching our kids!
The actual day of his birthday we took the kids to the Training Table--a favorite of Jeff's and Jaxon's. Jeff had to work so we did the cake and singing before lunch. Jaxon and Claire helped me decorate his cake and the house. Jax wanted to buy party hats. I'm grateful for the kids and how much fun they make everything! We love you Honey and hope you had a great Birthday!!

Christmas Sunday!

I couldn't believe how grown up the kids looked in their Christmas outfits. Since we were in Midway for our last Sunday, it ended up being Jaxon's last week in Nursery. He will miss his teachers and seeing his sister, but he is excited to be a Sunbeam. Claire does great in Nursery, but will miss seeing Jax as well. Jeff and I are looking forward to 9:00 church and to team teaching the 10-11 year olds.

December Fun

December is definitely one of my favorite months of the year. I love that we spend more time with family and friends. Some of our activities were:

Lunch at the Lion House (tradition with Jeff's family):
The kids wanted to go to the JSMB after to see the waterfalls and the temple:


We hosted our annual party for my friends from high school. Some of the Trimble games this year were leading your team through a maze blindfolded and seeing who could hold weights out in front of your body the longest. It went really well and I am so glad we still keep in touch with my friends.

Other activities that we don't have pictures of were a Christmas Party with Jeff's friends from high school, driving through the lights at Thanksgiving Point, and many visits to the mall to ride the train and see Santa. Even though it was a little crazy at times, I am sad it's almost over.

Ward Christmas Party

We went to our ward Christmas Party on Friday night. They had a really nice dinner and lots of yummy desserts. (Of course that's what I was drawn too). Dinner was followed by a talent show and a story for the kids. After singing Christmas songs, Santa came in and we got in line to see him. Jaxon was excited to thank him for Toby. Claire was so tired by that time, she couldn't even stay awake to see him. We still had to get a picture with her on Santa's lap. At least she wasn't screaming which I'm fairly certain she would have been were she awake. Santa told Jaxon what a big responsibility a dog is and to take good care of him. He thought it was so neat that he got a candy cane from Santa. I love Christmas and watching the kids get more into it each year!!

Our Family is Growing

Our kids, mainly Jaxon, have been asking us for a dog for a really long time. Jeff and I finally decided that we were ready and that it would be really good for the kids. We both did a lot of research trying to find the perfect breed for our little family. We came across a Havanese and had heard nothing but good about them. There aren't a lot of breeders in Utah, but Jeff found a lady in Santaquin who found us one for a great price. We wanted to see the dog early just to make sure he was what we wanted. How crazy looking back that we didn't think what a bad idea it would be to take the kids with us. It was supposed to be an innocent trip just to look at a dog to possibly tell Santa that we wanted one. Ten minutes in, we knew we weren't leaving without the dog. Yes, we are suckers. So we headed home from Santaquin with dog in tow and made a stop at the pet store. I wasn't ready for it at all, but maybe it was better that way. We came up with the name Toby (after Tobias from Arrested Development). Jaxon loved him from the second he held him. Claire wanted nothing to do with him for the first part of the drive. But by the end, she couldn't get enough of him. They took turns holding him and playing with him. I can't remember what, if anything has made them that happy before. As Jeff put it, they were so excited they didn't know what to do. It was so fun to watch them with their new buddy. Since then (this happened a week and a half ago), he has become a part of our family. He has been an incredibly easy dog. He sleeps well and he is so good with the kids. Claire carries him everywhere and holds him between her legs to read him stories. It is the sweetest thing.

Jaxon runs and plays with him. Toby goes to Jax's room every morning and starts barking. They are fast becoming good little buddies. Toby learned quick which one is the more gentle one.

Best Books of 2009

To continue on with our Best Ofs for 2009, my favorite book was the Book Thief. It is a WWII book told from the perspective of death. It made me cry at the end more than I remember a book doing for a long time. It was an incredible story.

Jeff's favorite book this year was Shutter Island. It was a great psychological thriller that kept you guessing throughout the entire book.

Best Movie of the Year

Best Movie of the Year

Jeff - My favorite movie of the year was a tough one to decide. With great movies like Inglourious Basterds, Sunshine, and even Slumdog Millionaire, I had a hard time making up my mind. In the end, I have never had a movie evoke as much emotion as Dear Zachary. By the end of the movie you feel that you have truely been let into the lives of the subjects of the documentary.

Amy - A wonderful tale told how movies should be. It incorporates great music, dialogue, acting, and a plot that keeps you fully engaged in the tale of three street urchins.

"Best Ofs" For 2009

I've decided to start early
I want us to document our "Best ofs" for 2009

So we'll start with something easy

Best Video Game of the Year

This game was short and action packed. This is one of those games that you play and realize its going to change how games will be made. I even caught Amy getting wrapped up watching cut scenes.

Jack-O-Lanterns

It's been fun to start new traditions in our little family. Some of our pumpkin carving traditions are:

Eating a jack-o-lantern pizza:
Cleaning the pumpkins out and carving them:

Jeff has always done a sports themed pumpkin. He went with the Jazz this year and did a replica of D-Wills jersey.
The kids favorite part is lighting candles in the jack-o-lanterns when they are all finished:

Jaxon's pumpkin looked the best lit up:

Bring on the snow!

We had our first snow storm of the season on Tuesday. Even though it's only October (ugh), there is still something magical and fun about the first snow. The kids were so excited and Jaxon spent half the day just sitting by the window watching the snow. I remember doing that same thing as a kid. Jaxon couldn't wait to get his warm clothes on and play in the snow. It gave me hope that maybe being cooped up in the house all winter won't be so bad after all.

Family Pictures

Our good friend, Barry, is an incredible photographer. We asked if he would take some family pictures for us. We thought it would be fun to get them taken at a castle in Provo where I got my bridal pictures done. Thanks Barry--for putting up with our kids and for taking some great pictures!!

Wacky Wednesday

Our ward had our big Super Saturday (or Wacky Wednesday as we call it) this month. It is one of my favorite enrichment activities throughout the year. I love working on a project and being able to visit with friends in the ward. One of the options were wood WITCH letters. It was too cute to not do. I just signed up for the one project this year, since it was an eight hour project. We met the week before so we could finish the night of. It turned out as good as I hoped it would. It was a fun few nights putting it all together.

WItches Night Out

My good friend Ashlee invited me to go to Witches Night Out with her at Gardner Village. I had never been before and really looked forward to it. We both bought new costumes and plan on using them every year. It was really fun getting all decked out for the night. After dinner at Chili's (we had yummy salads and the best white chocolate molten cake), we headed over to Gardner Village. I couldn't believe how many people were there-it was crazy! We had fun walking around and looking at all the shops. We each bought an accessory to add to our costume. There were a lot of interesting people to watch including a lady with a real owl (of course she had to be wearing the same outfit I was in-don't you love that) and others with crazy skin masks and costumes. I had such a great time and enjoyed the laughs and being able to spend time with a good friend. Can't wait to go again next year!!

Pumpkin Patch

On Friday we took our kids to a pumpkin patch. My friend had told me how much they liked it and I have to agree. It was great and the kids had the best time. They loved the different tractors they could drive.
They also had a corn maze for the kids.

Jaxon and Claire loved filling the little wheelbarrow with pumpkins.


We all picked out a pumpkin to carve this week for Halloween!

Conference Fun!

Just had to do a quick post to thank Jeff for making it easier for us to listen to conference this year. He tried something his dad used to do with him when he was younger. They would build a fort out of wood blocks and stack Star Wars guys all over the forts. Then, it's battle time. Whoever can knock over the other person's guys with tennis balls first is declared the winner. Pure genius-the kids were so entertained and I was able to get more out conference than I remember in a long time. I was double excited when it worked for Sunday as well. Thanks Hon-you're a great dad!!

St. George-Fall 2009

One of our favorite places to visit is St. George. Jeff's parents have a condo there so we try and go a few times a year. The last few trips, Jeff's mom has been able to come with us. We love being able to spend time with her. Two of our nephews also came with us-their parents were running in a race in Vegas. Here are the things that we look forward to the most.

Date night including dinner and movie--we went to Outback and 500 Days of Summer. Both were excellent! We love the quaint movie theater with the grand piano playing and the after movie mints.


We hit In-N-Out twice this trip (no pictures-thankfully). Swimming is always a must for the kids everyday. I was able to get my hair done one of the days while Jeff took the kiddos swimming. Have I ever mentioned how much I love getting my hair done!

On Sunday, we enjoyed some good time with our little family at the temple. It is a beautiful building and we love walking through the visitor centers.

Jaxon and Claire loved picking out a cake for Grandma. Her birthday wasn't for a few weeks, but since she'll still be in St. George, we decided to surprise her.

We had a GREAT time and look forward to doing at all again in six months or so!!

Cornbelly's

Jeff went to the BYU game on Saturday, so I decided to take the kids to Cornbelly's at Thanksgiving Point. Some of the highlights were:

The jumping pillows:

The giant cornbox:

There were also pig races, big slides, duck races, a corn maze, and lots of other fun stuff that the kids loved! We spent almost the whole time there while Jeff was at the game.

More S'mores?

About a month ago, we went up Big Cottonwood Canyon with some of our good friends. There is just something about being in nature that is so refreshing--I love it! We had tinfoil dinners, hot dogs, and s'mores.

Claire enjoyed playing in the dirt as much as the boys.

The boys kept asking all night when it was time to roast marshmallows.

Tim with some perfectly cooked marshmallows.

Everyone had such a great time that we decided to do it again a few weeks later. We went up American Fork canyon the second time and it was equally as beautiful.

The boys found a couple of great spots to make some shelters.

They also had a ton of fun playing in a little stream. After putting their feet in the water, Jaxon told Jeff that his feet were too cold to walk back to the campsite.

We were able to perfect the s'mores this time around by putting the graham crackers and chocolate on the grill and letting the chocolate melt. I've never been a big s'mores fan, but I was converted. I didn't know s'mores could taste so good!

They were some very enjoyable nights and I wish we would have done it more often. Oh well, there's always next summer!

Starting School!!

Jaxon started preschool last week. He goes for 2 hours 2 days a week, and he is loving it! His teacher is Miss Cameon--a family friend who we knew in Price. He loves learning and making new friends.

The last time we were with Jeff's family, a family member asked Jaxon if he had made any friends at school and what their names were. Without missing a beat he said, "Optimus". We all got a good laugh at that. I asked him later if he had seen Optimus at preschool that day and he said "I was just teasing." (Duh, mom.) I love being involved and hearing all about his day. We love him and are so proud of him!! He looked so grown up and handsome on his first day.

Jeff has also started another semester of school. He is keeping very busy with 12 hours of school and his regular full time job. I feel like we hardly see him during the week, but I know it will be well worth it. I am so grateful for all he does for us and the the sacrifices he makes! We love you!!

NFL Suicide Pool

2009 NFL Suicide Pool

	Matt	Dave	Shantelle	Josh
Week 1	Patriots	Chargers	Ravens	Saints
Week 2	Packers	Redskins	Redskins	Packers
Week 3	Eagles	Cowboys	Eagles	Ravens
Week 4	Redskins	Texans	Giants	Texans
Week 5	Giants	Giants	Patriots	Giants
Week 6	Chargers	Jaguars	Packers	Eagles
Week 7	Colts	Patriots	Jets	Colts
Week 8	Bears	Titans	Colts	Chargers
Week 9	Seahawks	Saints	Jaguars	Seahawks
Week 10	Vikings	Vikings	Saints	Vikings
Week 11	Steelers	Packers	Steelers	Patriots
Week 12	Cowboys	Jets	Chargers	Cowboys
Week 13	Panthers	Steelers	Seahawks	Steelers
Week 14	Ravens	Ravens	Vikings	Titans
Week 15	Titans	Seahawks	Titans	Cardinals
Week 16	Saints	49ers	Cardinals	49ers
Week 17	Falcons	Colts	Bears	Falcons

	Adam	Jeff	Amy	Travis
Week 1	Ravens	Ravens	Cowboys	Ravens
Week 2	Redskins	Redskins	Vikings	Vikings
Week 3	Eagles	Vikings	Steelers	Eagles
Week 4	Saints	Texans	Titans	Bears
Week 5	Giants	Eagles	Giants	Giants
Week 6	Packers	Packers	Redskins	Patriots
Week 7	Patriots	Patriots	Patriots	Panthers
Week 8	Chargers	Chargers	Chargers	Cowboys
Week 9	Seahawks	Jaguars	Jaguars	Falcons
Week 10	Vikings	Titans	Bears	Dolphins
Week 11	Cowboys	Steelers	Saints	Saints
Week 12	Titans	Cowboys	Cardinals	Chargers
Week 13	Steelers	Panthers	Packers	Colts
Week 14	Colts	Colts	Bengals	Steelers
Week 15	Cardinals	Cardinals	Falcons	Broncos
Week 16	49ers	Saints	Broncos	49ers
Week 17	Falcons	Falcons	Jets	Jets