Vegas Babe!

We were bored.... we we went to Vegas!!!!

It was Friday night and the boys were getting ready to enjoy Spring break in Montana with their Grandma Becca. There was plenty of "jobs" to keep us home.... like painting the deck or doing homework. But really, who wants to do that kind of stuff on a nice weekend? NOT ME! We packed up our stuff, sent the boys on their way, jumped in the car and drove on down to Vegas for a good time. We stayed at Mandalay Bay and went swimming. We ate at the Cheesecake Factory.... Megan even tried sushi! We went to see Phantom of the Opera.... that was awesome! Then, Megan let us give her our tour of Vegas... she was such a good sport. Megan and Niel even went shopping with me! It was a great, spontaneous trip!!

NCAA Winner!

As a family tradition we each fill out an NCAA bracket. The person who fills out the bracket with the most winning teams gets to choose the dining place of thier choice. Mr. Niel Oscarson won this year. He even got the final two and the over all winner correct! I was very impressed!! This is a picture of us at Guadalahonky's eating some delicious mexican.... and Niel basking in his victory!!

Basketball in the snow?

We all saved our money and made big plans to get a basketball court in the backyard. All the boys, including Niel, were just waiting for the the ground to thaw so the cement could be poured. Winter seemed to never end, but finally the snow melted and the weather was nice. Right away we had the cement guys come out and get to work. It took about a week for the masterpiece to be finished. When it was, what a sight it was to behold. As our luck would have it, that was the only week of spring. That very next day it snowed. And the day after that is snowed again. If it isn't snowing, the wind in blowing like crazy or the sky is dropping tear drops.
The weather isn't keeping the boys inside though. Conner is outside everyday.... with gloves, coat and a smile on his face. He comes back inside with a pink nose, but he sure is happy. The snow will not stop him.

Garrett is so upset that it is snowing!!! He wants it to be spring all ready. I feel the same way. Afterall, it is April and we are dying to get rid of this white stuff!

Happy 4th Birthday Zander!

Dear Zander,

A few days ago you turned 4 years old! I can't believe my little baby is really 4!!! Looking back upon your 3rd year brings much happiness and also much wonder as to how we all survived! You have more personality then any other 3 year old I have ever seen. I am quoting Niel, "The holy terror or the great joy!"

I love you to pieces and feel incredibly blessed to have you in my life. There have been many "I love you mom!" 's when my day has been so difficult and there you were with your happy smile and big hugs and kisses. I love how you can make people happy just by walking into the room. You speak exceptionally well for your age. This is a good thing for the most part because you can express your feelings for us all to understand. I also find it very interesting how you can play with kids your age, but also jump right in with others older then you. Maybe you just had to learn that since your brothers are so much bigger then you. They sure are tough on you at times, but you seem to hold your own. They better watch out though.... I see your little muscles and they are going to be big muscles soon enough. It won't be long before you are as tall and big as Conner.

I love you Zander! I love your little spirit!! I love the positiveness you have!! I love that you are my son!!! I look forward to many more years and many great happy memories with you.

Love,

Mom

Our first 5K in 2008

There are moments in a mother's life when she is so proud of her children. I had one of those moments with Conner. Since I met Niel, we have been running here and there. It is a great way to stay in shape! This year, Conner decided he wanted to give it a try. We all registered for the Utah Valley University 5K. Conner, Niel and I have been kind of training to get ready, but mostly this was a challenge to encourage us to get going so we could be in shape to run at least one a month this coming summer. For Conner, this was his first 5K ever. I was overjoyed he wanted to do with us. Conner was very nervous but very determined. He wanted to finish under 30 minutes, which would be an excellent time for someone running their first one.
The gun went off and off our feet carried us. Niel is a fast runner so he got a head of us pretty quickly. We hadn't even gotten into the race a mile and I was out of breath. Conner wanted to keep going though. So, I slowed down and he kept chugging along. Niel crossed the finish line coming in about 25 minutes. Conner crossed the finish line at about 29 minutes.... kicking my butt as I crossed at 33 minutes. I guess I am not as good as I once was...laugh!
I was so proud of him for setting his mind to something and completing it. He is a very determined young man. He was very tired and sore when the race was over. But I am very impressed with his strong will and hard work. Good job Conner! Way to go!!!!

Different Drug Problem

The following letter was posted on my managers cube at work. I enjoyed it and thought I would post it.

The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a Methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question, "why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?"
I replied, I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.
I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.
I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity. I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flower beds and cockleburs out of dad's fields. I was drug to the homes of family, friends and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood, and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.
Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, or think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place.
God bless the parents who drugged us.

Hero for the Day!

It was one of those days.... you know, when nothing is going right! It had been a crazy morning at home. I had gotten to work at 7:30 only to have five phone messages and several emails just awaiting a response. I knew right away it was going to be a long day. End of quarter always makes for a busy day.... filled with much stress and anxiety. For one reason or another, I was really feeling the stress of life and sitting at my desk, staring at my computer, I could feel my anxiety catching up to me.... and getting the best of me. I couldn't wait for lunch time! It was going to be great to take a break, leave the office, and enjoy the beautiful weather outside. Noon time came around and I practically ran outside. I jumped into my car and began to drive. I hadn't gotten very far at all when a guy started honking his horn and waving his arms. He was trying to get my attention. It was then I read his lips, "YOUR BACK TIRE IS FLAT!" Ugh!
I pulled over to the side of the road, and sure enough, the tire was extremely flat. It was very apparent it had been flat for a while, probably from the night before, and I had driven over 25 miles with a flat tire, causing the tire to be completely worn. I knew I wouldn't get far and I also knew I would have to go back to work because as my day would have it, I had left my cell phone at home.
I went back to work. I was trying to figure out what I was going to do. I am not the greatest tire changer, especially on an SUV. I knew a few basics, but I also knew I would need some help. I looked over my cube and saw Rick was sitting as his desk. Rick is my brother-in-law, Brooke's husband. I knew he would probably help me. Sure enough, when I asked for his help, he didn't even hesitate.
Once we got to my Trailblazer we began to search around for all the tire changing parts. As was my day was going I shouldn't have been surprise that I was missing the lug wrench. We also realized the spare tire was stuck underneath the car and would not come ajar. Rick had all ready cut his finger trying to get the jack out and was bleeding some. We were attracting some attention and found Devon, a girl I work with who had a similar car as mine. She was super nice and said we could use her lug wrench and her spare tire. WOW! So, Rick went right to work. Moving tires here and there, fixing things. After a long battle, he figured out how to get my spare unhooked from underneath... this of course was after we had all ready gotten Devon's tire off her car. So, he put that one back on her car and attempt to fix mine. He took off the hub cap and we found another issue. The lug wrench was too big to take off the tire lug nuts. We asked a few other people if they had a lug wrench we could borrow, but alas, none of them fit. By this time we had picked up another friendly helper, a Systems Engineer by the name of Dave. He barely knows me, yet he stopped to help. We decided to go buy the lug wrench at a dealership close by. Both guys had been working hard.... laying down on the dirty ground and had becomne VERY dirty. That didn't bother them, they were on a mission.... to fix my tire.
Of course when we got to the dealership, they didn't have the part, so we had to drive another 20 miles or so to the other dealership. Thankfully the second dealership had the part and we were headed back to the very flat tire. It was a piece of cake from there. The spare tire got put on, the flat one got taken off. It only took a little over 2 hours and I was back in business.
As I think back now, I wonder what would have happened had I been alone or not had Rick there with me. He had plenty of work to return to when we were all done, but not once did he ever complain. Not once did he want to give up!! And not once did he even get frustrated. Even though I am sure he would have loved to go home, take a shower and relax, he had to go back inside the building to finish up his work. He kept his cool and even better.... he kept me from losing it! I am so grateful for his help! What a hero!!

Craft Project

With the busy lives that Niel and I lead, there isn't much time for crafts these days. I remember in my younger days I spent too much time decorating the house. I found great enjoyment is my latest project. Not only was it fun but I bought everything on sale or clearance, which made the project even more fun. I found the wooden hanger piece on the clearance shelf at Ross. It was busted up some. I love sandpaper for these kinds of things. The frames were purchased at Roberts when they had their 40% off sale on unfinished woods products. I don't have tons of extra time, so this project took a while to finish. It was all worth it though. The end product turned out pretty good I think. Niel got the hardest part of all hanging the thing. He was so great to measure things out and make sure it was centered just perfect on the wall. He faced death as he scaled the banister. Check out the picture below.... what a brave man! My stomach was tied in knots as I watched him move back and forth handing him hammers, drills and nails. What a good man to please his ever so picky wife....laugh!
The craft itself looks good but what makes the entire wall hanging are the beautiful faces in those frames. I am reminded every day of the five little, sometimes crazy, burst of sunshine in our lives.

Happy Anniversary!

Dear Niel,

I remember our first date, our first kiss, our very first "I love you's." I remember how natural it felt to start out together, how comfortable we were despite all the crazy stuff that was happening around us. I loved getting to know you, enjoying you, and wondering where it would all lead.... and thinking about you all the time, knowing that I never, ever wanted to be without you! I guess that is the way life is. You're going along doing your everyday things, and out of the blue, life surprises you with something amazing... something you had no idea how much you wanted it to happen. Falling in love with you was something I hadn't expected, but being in love with you is something I couldn't stop... even if I tried.

I remember the day we got married. I never thought I could love you more than I did that day, but I was wrong. I keep discovering new reasons for loving you. You do so many things to make me happy, things you may not think I notice.... but I do. I can think of so many yesterdays made wonderful by your sharing, caring ways, and those memories make me look forward to our future.... for the longer we are together, the more our happiness grows.

We have been together for two years now. We've laughed and cried and seen each other through our best and worst and everything in between. Today, when I look at you, I feel even more in love with you then I ever have before. We have a life together, full of shared memories that keep us close. You are so much a part of me and a part of my happiness that it's impossible to imagine what life would have been like without you. You are my partner, my love, and my best friend.

We may be celebrating our anniversary today, but I feel my love for you every day of every year. When I think of you, my heart smiles. I feel our love in our small and simple pleasures and in the friendship and respect we share. I feel our love in the joy of knowing that we belong together. Some days I just look at you and I wish I had words beyond "I love you" ... words to show how much I cherish all the ways you've made my life so full. Yes, I know we are beyond the need for fancy words... but sometimes I am at a loss of words.
I wish I could tell you all the joy you make me feel, but that would take a lifelong love letter. You're my forever love, my forever friend... and I'm forever grateful you are mine. I love you babe!

Cowboy hat - $79.00
National Finals Rodeo Trip - $424.00
A Happy, Sexy Husband...... PRICELESS!!!

What did you say?

A few weeks ago I vacationed to beautiful St. Lucia. Ah..... it was like heaven. The sun was warm, the sand beneath my toes was smooth, and wearing short and swimming suites all day reminded me of my childhood days. Plus, I got to take along my favorite person, Niel!
One of our adventures was scuba diving. If anyone knows me well, you would probably be shocked that I actually considered jumping into the ocean. Yes, I am proud to say I actually took part in the underwater adventure. It was pretty cool to be in the ocean. The only problem I had while I was in the deep blue was the fact I couldn't equalize my ears. And might I say..... IT REALLY HURT! We dove about 30 feet. I tried with all my might to pop my ears, but it just didn't happen. I was so determined to make the dive fun for me and Niel that I chose to deal with the pain and just do it. I hate to say it, but that was a stupid thing to do. It has been 2 weeks since the dive and my ears are still feeling the pain. I went to the doctor. His response was, "Why in the world did you not get out of the water with your ears hurting the way they were?" I know, stupid. I was informed at my visit that I have ruptured my ear drums and I even tore one. The tare has caused some bleeding!!! YICKS!! The good thing was, there is no hearing defects. There was also no infection, which mean no medicine. The result.... it will probably take a month to clear my ears up and have them functioning well again (it amazes me how incredibly fast the body can heal itselt). I get to be part deaf. So, if you are around me, make sure you talk so I can see your lips. Make sure you talk in a higher pitch or loud voice.... I can't hear low pitches. Please don't mumble around me, it actually hurts my brain to try to figure out what you may be saying (primary was horrible on Sunday, it was a constant mumble). My poor family has to deal with me saying, "What?" all the time.

Moral of this story.... if ever you go diving, when your ears start hurting, don't keep going down.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Tonight, at Grandpa's house, doing what he does best - being an awesome grandpa and singing karaoke!

I figured I would let you know what a great dad I have by sharing some advice he gave to me once when I was a teenager at girls camp.

"Welcome to the wide open spaces. Look to the highest mountain you can find. Do you see it? This is your potential for the future size of your character. The higher the mountain the broader the base. You have a good base Amy. You are kind hearted and self disciplined. Build these more in all areas and I will be ever so proud of you. The scriptures say charity (true kindness to others) is the greatest character trait of all.
Of course, my motto is - enjoy life. I believe in being happy. Happiness for you can only come from within yourself. Happiness comes from thinking of others instead of worrying about yourself. So, enjoy your time at camp but use that self discipline to be a kinder more thoughtful you. Make me proud!"

Wonderful words of wisdom for anyone to live by. This is only one of the many letters I have from my dad throughout the years. I love to read them! My dad has touched my life is so many ways. I feel truly blessed to call him Dad! Happy Birthday to the greatest hero in my life. I love you Dad!

St. Lucia Trip!

As usual, I took way to many pictures! Below are a few, but I think I am going to have to make a slide show to do the trip justice. It was BEAUTIFUL! We had a great week!!

Valentine's night. What a romantic scene. I had to take a picture, because I am not sure we could ever top this for Valentines Day!

This is just outside on the patio of our room. It was nice to walk outside and be so close to the beach.

We got to ride a zip line through the rain forest. It was incredible!!

Niel can actually call himself a sailor. We tore up the ocean and didn't even get eaten by sharks!

WARNING! Do not eat the street food unless it is completely fried and fried again. Poor Wayne got so sick.

The actual Black Pearl!. This was the ship they used in Pirates of the Caribbean.

The beauty on the Island was breath-taking!

This was the waterfall they used when filming Romancing the Stone.

The homes the people lived in were not so good. It was interesting to view other's lifestyles and be grateful we live in America.

We are banana experts now. The main source of income on the Island is tourism, but the second is their banana production. Did you know, a banana is first an herb, then a vegetable and finally a fruit. I got to taste a banana while in veggie form and it tasted like a potato. Very interesting!

The view were spectacular. The Island is 25 miles long and 15 miles wide. There were beaches everywhere!

Happy Valentine's Day!

We have Valentine's tradition. Every year we make cupcakes!! My favorite part is eating them!!

President Gordon B. Hinckley

I found this tribute and really enjoyed it. The prophet passed away over a week ago, and it has been a week of pondering for me. What an incredible man he was! His teaching and words will leave a lasting impression on my life. I will truly miss his words of wisdom, spiritual strength, and his kind example.




Some wonderful words to live by...

"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just like people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, and most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is just like an old time rail journey ... delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride." -- Gordon B. Hinckley

“Under the plan of heaven, the husband and the wife walk side by side as companions, neither one ahead of the other, but a daughter of God and a son of God walking side by side. Let your families be families of love and peace and happiness. Gather your children around you and have your family home evenings, teach your children the ways of the Lord, read to them from the scriptures, and let them come to know the great truths of the eternal gospel as set forth in these words of the Almighty.” --Gordon B. Hinckley

“Faith in something greater than ourselves enables us to do what we have said we'll do, to press forward when we are tired or hurt or afraid, to keep going when the challenge seems overwhelming and the course is entirely uncertain.” -- Gordon B. Hinckley

"The time has come for us to stand a little taller, to lift our eyes and stretch our minds to a greater comprehension and understanding of the grand millennial mission of this The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is a season to be strong. It is a time to move forward without hesitation, knowing well the meaning, the breadth, and the importance of our mission. It is a time to do what is right regardless of the consequences that might follow. It is a time to be found keeping the commandments. It is a season to reach out with kindness and love to those in distress and to those who are wandering in darkness and pain. It is a time to be considerate and good, decent and courteous toward one another in all of our relationships. In other words, to become more Christlike." -- Gordon B. Hinckley

"Do the best you can. And remember that the greatest asset you have in this world is those children who you've brought into the world, and for whose nurture and care you're responsible." -- Gordon B. Hinckley

WARM San Diego

This is me... on the beach! All the pictures I currently have, we are bundled up in coats, boots, gloves, hats, and even hand warmers. It is sooooo cold here in Utah. I went to San Diego a few weeks ago, in the middle of January, and I walked on the beach... barefoot! That's right!!
I also didn't even have to wear a coat. And, we ate dinner.... OUTSIDE! The best part was, I got to visit with Deanna and meet her new husband Mat. It was a really great night! I think I might move to San Diego for a the rest of the winter...ha!

Winter Stuff

We love going to the cabin. It is even more fun when cousins are there!!

There was this really steep hill the kids enjoyed tubing down! There was a big bump at the bottom! Garrett and Scott are just about to fall out!

Stockton loved the big steep hill too! Whoo!!

Grandpa was so nice. He would stand at the top of the hill and push everyone down. Then he would drive down to the bottom and pick everyone up on the 4 wheeler!

Oscarson Mountain is the greatest hill to sleigh down. Here is Conner going VERY fast!

Zander does sledding a little different. He rides UP the hill on the sleigh and rides down the hill on the 4 wheeler. He loves it that way, and is completely happy!!

Matthew is only 5 years old. He is the youngest little guy to go down the hill by himself. Stockton helped him down a few times, riding together, but Matt went down a few more times all by himself!

It snowed and snowed and then snowed some more. The best part about sleighing is, it just can't snow enough. But that is only if it isn't too cold outside. It was a perfect day!

Garrett has the longest tongue I have ever seen. This picture doesn't even do it justice.... it is long! He is catching some snowflakes from the sky.... delicious!!

We had a great time! I love spending time with the kids making those lasting memories!

Never Talk to Strangers

As a parent, we drill the words, "Never talk to strangers" into our children's little minds from the moment we are sure they will understand. I remember as a child, my parents teaching me. It is a parents worst nightmare for their child to be taken by a stranger and never returned again. So, what would you do if your children were ever in a situation where they have to actually use this words?
Last night, at about 7:00, Conner, Megan, and Garrett went outside to take Rockie a walk around the neighborhood. Garrett is a speedy little guy. He was out in front of Megan and Conner by quit a ways. He turned a corner and was out of site. Conner was on his electric scooter, and Megan had the dog. Once Garrett got out of site, the two older ones decided to hurry it up. Conner turned up the scooter to catch up to his littler brother, telling Megan to catch up as soon as she could. When Conner turned the corner, he saw Garrett talking to a teen-age boy.... a stranger. He grew a little anxious and scooted over quickly to Garrett. The young man was out of his car with the trunk open. He was talking right to Garrett. As Conner got up closer, the young man turned to him and said, "Do you want some candy?" Conner replied with "No!" The boy asked again, "Do you want some gum?" Again, Conner said, "No!" By this time, Megan had joined the group. The young man asked her if she wanted some candy. She replied "No" as well. The kids grabbed Garrett and started to walk off. The young man said, "Come here. I can give you a ride anywhere you want." They kept saying "No!" As they were walking he said, "Are you sure you don't want some candy? It tastes really good." They kept walking. As they walked away from the situation, they realized that Garrett had taken some gum from him. Garrett also said the young man told him he was going to pick him up and put him in the trunk of his car. YICKS! They were very freaked out and came right home.
They told us the story. We were pretty freaked out, but very proud of them for saying "No" and getting home quickly. My thoughts were the young man was probably just playing a mean trick, but still, that was very mean trick to play on some young kids. Plus, it if wasn't a trick, I figured I should report it. So, we called the police. I made the report and they sent a police officer over to question the kids. Both Megan and Conner explained what happened. They were pretty good with descriptions. They told Officer Doyle the car was old and red. The young man was wearing a gray coat and looked like he had just been snowboarding or skiing. They knew what street they were on and the approximate location where the incident happened. Office Doyle was very proud of Megan, Conner and Garrett for having a great memory, but also for doing the right thing. Niel and I were both proud of them, and also very relieved they all came home.
The thought has gone through my mind many times, "Why did Garrett take the gum?" I am fairly certain that if this young man had been an actual kidnapper, Garrett would be gone and I would be telling a far worse story. I am extremely grateful both Megan and Conner were there with him. I am glad for their example of safety and how they handled the situation. This reminded me how quickly something can happen. Who would have known a walk around the block with the dog could turn out to be so dangerous. We live in a really nice, safe neighborhood. I am not saying something would have happened, but there is always that possibility that something could happen. This is something I don't ever want to have happen to our little family, or anyone for that matter. The point is, they made it home safely, which we are extremely grateful. We are also a little more careful and will continue to preach the words, "Never talk to strangers."

So gross!

We are in the process of training Rockstar, our newest four legged family member. He is a great dog, as a matter of fact, his only issue is the potty training. We let him outside during the day, but once he is inside he feels it is time to do his thing in his certain areas throughout the house. It is frustrating! One of his spots is right next to our dresser in our bedroom. It is easy to see when he poops (sorry for graphic), but harder to tell when he pee's. As of the past few days, Rocky seems to be doing better, but we still have to keep on eye on him and check the regular spots frequently. GROSS!

My Cooking

Finding me slaving away in the kitchen is a rarity. It isn't because I don't want to do it or that I am not a good cook. The reason for my lack of home cooked meals is because my children are super picky. If you know me well, you might be laughing right now. It is a fact, the kids have gotten their picky-ness from me. Yes, I think being a picky eater is hereditary. I guess with that said, I really can't say too much about them not eating the food I work so hard to prepare. But poor Niel, he is used to his mom's delicious cooking.
Tonight, I decided to take a chance and make something other than out of the box food. Everyone in the family likes chicken, bacon, and everyone except for Conner likes cheese. So, I made stuffed chicken with cheese (light on the cheese for Conner) mixed with a few spices, wrapped in bacon.... cooked in chicken broth. Delicious.... right? Then, I made a pizza type bread stick, again, who doesn't like pizza? I cooked up some spaghetti with meat sauce to add a nice finish. I figured I was pretty safe with this menu, and I knew the extra effort would be appreciated by Niel.
Here were the responses, "I think this has cheese in it. I don't like cheese." "Do I really have to eat it all?" "This looks weird. It smells like carpet." "I ate a little of everything, can I be done?" If you ask me, it tasted delicious. But of course, I was the one who cooked it.
All my efforts were worth it though. Niel said he liked it. And, he kept telling me how delicious it was over and over. I think he was just glad he didn't have to eat another dinner of mac and cheese casserole or roman noodles....laugh!

The Challenge - Niel's side

Ok, so before I get in big trouble with all of Amy's friends, I have to clear something up. Amy does look fantastic, I didn't make the challenge because I thought she needed to look better. In fact we are about to go out on a date and she is wearing the same outfit she wore on the night we first kissed...and all I can say is she looks even better now. (Alright, hopefully that will get me out of any hot water.)

Amy and I were just talking about eating healthier. We both have our weaknesses, hers is Sugar, mine is fast food. I pick up fast food all the time, because it's convenient and I don't want to bother with anything else. So my challenge to her is skipping sweets, her challenge to me is skipping fast food.

It's Burger Supreme I'd miss. Plus, it just takes planning ahead so I don't stop for food just because it's there.

Do you really think I could go without fast food for a year? Would it be harder to skip sugar or fast food? I guess it depends on the person. But maybe this time next year we will both be healthier.

Sugar High?

I love reading other people's blog's on various thoughts and daily happenings. I think I mostly just like to post pictures with little commentaries. A friend of mine asked me the other day, tell me what you are thinking. Write in your blog some of your thoughts. Hum.... that could kind of be scary at times....haha! So, I thought I would post a little something, so bare with me.
Niel and I like to place bets against each other on various things. Our favorite family show is The Amazing Race. We decided to have a little fun with it and bet on a pair we thought would stay on the show the longest. I happen to be quit the reality show guesser, and won that one. Or to see who can race down the winter hill on sleighs, or who can win the most games of Speed, Niel wins those ones frequently. Anyway, that gives you a little idea of what some of our bets are like. We are very competitive.
Niel thought we should up the bet quit a bit. He suggested I try to go an entire year without refined, or the bad kinds of sugar. YICKS! I am not one to be a chicken and not take the bet, but giving up sugar?? ... that's like giving up on eating all together! I love sugar, and even though I know I could do a lot better on my consumption of the tasty stuff, I am not sure I can really do it. This would mean, no more hot chocolate in the mornings, no desserts, no ice cream (this one will be a hard one on those emotional days), no more chocolate chip cookies... and even worse, no more Brisa's at Los Hermanos or Ice Cream pie at Wingers. I might just die! I know, I know... I am sure I won't die, but honestly, this could be a really difficult, life changing eating habit of mine that I love so much. So... I guess I am wondering what your thoughts are? What would you recommend? I haven't committed to this challenge nor have I turned it down. I still have $30 worth of Cold Stone gift certificates to use up before I even think of signing onto this crazy bet for a year. Am I crazy? Tell me your thoughts!!

Sweet Caroline

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year 2008! I have a feeling this is going to be a good year!

Niel had a great time bringing in the New Year. He started the year off by taking on really hard fall. He slipped on the stairs which were super icy. His head hit hard onto the ground. He only suffered mild brain damage!

Zander rode on the 4 wheelers the entire time. He would switch off, ride the red one, then ride the green one. He had a blast and didn't want to come in when it was time to warm up!

Garrett's first time down the BIG, long hill all by himself. What a brave little guy!

Yeah! He made it down, safe and sound!

"Ready! Get set!! GO!!!" Marsha heading down the long hill!!

Dave, Josh and Taylor taking a ride up to the top of Oscarson Mountain!

Here comes Stockton, Garrett and Conner! Watch out!!