Today...

On his 33rd BIRTHDAY

Gary got a pair of snow shoes...

and a beautiful winter storm!

This Christmas...

Canyon & Trek met Santa at the Mall where Canyon asked for 2 watches and a bird house and Trek didn't show much interest.

We stayed in Flagstaff and I had my boys all to myself.

Canyon got an explorer set with binoculars, a lantern, telescope, & collection container (and in his stocking 2 watches & a birdhouse).

Trek learned two new words: "naminal" and "nandy" (animal & candy).

Canyon got a play shaving kit which he has used at least 100 times.

Trek got a Mr. Potato Head that he loves along with his "naminals" from the Holly's.

And I cooked my first Christmas Dinner--ham & all.

Thank you Santa for bringing me so much LOVE this year!

I can't wait!

Snow...

Christmas with Gram

My mom came for a visit to celebrate Christmas with us. The boys were beside themselves and Gary & were pretty excited too! She brought the sweetest presents (my favorite was the antique, but functional sled) and lots of love! We enjoyed every minute of our visit.

Right now...

~It's snowing and foggy and absolutely beautiful.~

~I am wrapping Christmas presents in peace and quiet.~

~Canyon and Trek are asleep, in my bed, together, in each others arms.~

~I am happy.~

River of Lights

On of my favorite HOLIDAY traditions is to visit Skye and go to River of Lights and her annual card party. They kids were spoiled and I loved seeing the Holly's.

Just so I don't forget...

Canyon...
-is hilarious. He is constantly saying something funny, sweet, inappropriate, mature, smart.
-is frequently talking about school and homework.
-is EXCITED about Christmas and wants a "pillow" from Santa.
-bore his testimony at church for the first time thanking "the people & his friends."
-likes to do the dishes.
-loves to wrestle and always wants to hike.
-still loves to cuddle his Dad.
-takes care of Trek.

Trek...
-is always eating something he shouldn't, such as dirt, Christmas ornaments, screws, paper, stickers, erasers, electronics (the list goes on).
-mimicking everything Canyon does.
-learning new words every day and communicates his needs clearly.
-asks to eat before his eyes are even open in the morning and is usually grumpy until he gets something.
-continues to love animals and totes around an animal toy where ever he goes.
-thinks every animal either quacks, moos, or growls-usually growls.
-washes his toys in the toilet.
-colors on computer screens.
-kisses Canyon good night.

Giving Thanks

President Monson said

"A grateful heart … comes through expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His blessings and to those around us for all that they bring into our lives."

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I was reminded of this at my childhood community Thanksgiving celebration where all held hands and gave thanks for the things in our life. I was humbled and fulfilled.

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I feel blessed for my life; for the people, the things, and for the ability to be humble and grateful.

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(We spent Thanksgiving weekend at my moms, visited the Heaps, then cut firewood with my dad. We ate, we laughed, we played, we loved... we were blessed!)

And we are grateful.

Cleaning out the house for things to donate to a thrift store I tried to get Canyon involved at "sharing" his toys with other kids who might think they are fun. Canyon was taking it seriously adding things to the get-rid-of pile. After a while he came up to me and said...


Canyon: "Mom, are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

Me: "I don't know what are you thinking?"

Canyon: "Let's get rid of Trek, he just makes a mess all the time."

Me: " Well, I don't think that's a good idea. We would miss our baby too much. How about we get rid of the shopping cart."

Canyon: "Ok."

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The tire on my car was going flat so until I had a chance to fix it I would have to stop and get air periodically. While stopping once with the boys Canyon told me this...

Canyon: "Mom, you can get air all by yourself without Dad."

Me: "Yes, I can."

Canyon: "Mom, I am so proud of you. I love you so much for getting air by yourself."

Me: "Thank-you Canyon."

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Canyon and I were making cookies one morning. Trek was finishing he breakfast and started crying because he wasn't helping. As Gary was rushing out the door he slid Trek's high-chair next to us and said to Trek "Now you can get in on this PONY SHOW too." Canyon heard this and said...


Canyon: "No Dad, it's not a pony show. Were making cookies."

Gary: "Oh, it's not a pony show."

Canyon: "No, Dad were making cookies."

Trekker Blue

My sweet Baby Blue has gotten big enough for these sweet orange PJs.

And big enough to for his brother's football helmet.

And too big for a bib.

And according to him big enough for his brother's bike and his mom's shampoo and his dad's shoes.

But still small enough to still want to sleep with mom and dad.

And sweet enough to graciously say "tan too."

And kind enough to kiss his brother good night.

And helpful enough to clean up--sometimes.

He is perfectly sweet, funny, lovable, and full of life and I'm so glad he's mine.

Lovely Dinner

I had salmon on the counter, about to grill when Gary came home and suggested roasting hot-dogs and marshmallows by a campfire. His idea was voted in by Canyon and we enjoyed a lovely dinner by campfire in one of the most beautiful places we've found since we moved here.

A few days at Grandma's (Moms)

We were missing our Grandma (mama) desperately and so after 3 nights of work the boys and I headed home. Canyon spent the 2 hour trip recalling toys at Grandma's house and his tools he would use for digging. Trek would chime in saying "dog" or "Bo, Bo." And we were all excited to get there. We spent the following days playing under the peach tree, cuddling Grandma, chasing kittens, digging holes, building castles, reading books, and for me resting. Neither boy wanted out of Grandma's arms and cried when we left.

(Only two more weeks til Thanksgiving... can we make it that long?)

Fall Photo Favorites

After many photo shoots, in multiple spots I have collected my favorite FALL pictures. And I would like to say Gary and the boys were perfectly patient and willing. Fall is a wonderful time of year and I am especially thankful for all my BOYS.