Who's kids are these?

So, on our ski trip to Utah last week, we were driving from Layton, where we met some friends for dinner, when the kids suggested that we drive by the Salt Lake Temple so they could see it.  So we did.  They then all asked if we could skip skiing on Saturday and go tour Temple square, and the Conference Center.  What do you say to that?  Of course, if your kids would rather go to the temple then go skiing you better do it!  So that is what we did!  It was a great experience for all of us!  I am really proud that they decided and chose the Temple.  Now I just have to make sure they keep that attitude!  Wish me luck!

Back, and a little bit better!

We just returned from our 2nd snow ski trip of the year to Utah.  Everyone is a little bit better at skiing, and a little bit more motivated to work hard so we can go on another family vacation!  We had a great time together and I think we even converted our nephew Brett over to the snow ski side. (He was previously a snow boarder!)

Valentine's Dance- Remember When

I loved when the girls were little, the cute clothes, the head bands, black paten leather shoes, all of the girly stuff.  But I think I love the pre-teen/teen age just as much!  Wednesday night for mutual there was a stake Valentine's Dance.  I helped the girls curl their hair and paint their nails, and get ready.  I can remember doing these things with my mom, and it doesn't really seem like it was that long ago!

Our 1st real project!

For Christmas I got this little machine called a Cricket Expression.  It cuts out letters and pictures.  So this week Alyssa had to make a poster for FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) for a conference they will be attending.  It was the perfect chance to try out our new toy!  It think we are going to have a lot of fun with this thing!  It can cut, vinyl, paper, card stock, and fabric. I can't wait to make something else!

I am not sure if they are listening?

This is the scene in our family room every morning before school.  We get up at 6:45 am to spend 5 minutes reading scriptures and have family prayer. It works for us, but I am not really sure that anyone can hear what is being read to them while they are "just resting their eyes"!??!

18 Year Valentine

Justin asked me to marry him on Valentine's Day 18 years ago!  The night started out so great, my mom made me a new dress wear (now that I am older I realize that it would have been a lot easier for her to buy me a new dress!) that was perfect, and beautiful!  Justin picked me up and took me to a really nice restaurant for dinner.  I must have been nervous because while I was eating my salad I went to fork the cherry tomato, that was covered in ranch, when it went flying through the air, hit the ground, and rolled under someone else's table.  Now, if that was not embarrassing enough later while I was looking at the gorgeous ring that he had just given me, I dropped it and it got stuck in the track of the seat in his car!   I can't believe he was still willing to marry me!  Happy Valentine's Day to all!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR MAN!

Today is Justin eve, because tomorrow is his 43rd birthday!  I talked to the kids and we came up with 43 reasons why we love him, admire him, and are grateful he is ours!

Addy said:

1. He is nice

2. He is a fast worker

3. He has a good smile

4. He is a good planner

5. He gives good horsey back rides

6. He is a good teacher (at boat driving, and knot tying)

Tanner said:

7. I like when he wrestles with me

8. I love you dad

9. He taught me how to drive a jet ski

10. He is cool!

11. He showed me how to fix a stool

12. He showed me how to mark and cut wood

13. He takes me snow skiing

14. He buy's me good toys!

15. He takes me to cool places! 

Amanda said:

16. He is funny!

17. He has good clothes (this is very important to Amanda!)

18. He is a hard worker

19. He is good at getting people to do what he wants them to do

20. He is a good boss

21. He picks good vacations!

Alyssa said:

22. He is a great water skier

23. He has very white teeth

24. He is a great snow skier

25. He is a good, fast driver

Melynda says:

26. Justin is a Great husband

27. He has a very positive outlook on life

28. He buys me anything I want (luckily I am not very demanding!)

29. He takes me on a date at least once every weekend!

30. He always kisses me when he leaves

31.  He tells me he loves me everyday

32. He is really fun to go on vacation with

33.  He likes to go on vacation!

34.  He smells really good!

35.  He is faithful

36.  He works hard to do what is right

37.  He is a great provider for our family

38.  He is a good dad and loves his family

39.  This is how old I am, and he tells me all the time that he can't wait until I am 40 because older women are hotter!  (we'll see)

40.  He is very confidant and takes charge (this was one of the first things I noticed about him)

41.  He has a strong testimony of the gospel

42.  He tells me I am beautiful, and that I look nice all the time

43.  HE IS LOVED BY ALL OF US SOOO MUCH, HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUSTIN!