Christmas Goodies

Here are just a few of the chocolates and spiced pecans I made for some baskets we gave as gifts. These took a lot of work. I did't realize how much time it takes to get the details but I had fun making them.

Olivia's Surprise

All week Olivia was so excited about bringing home her surprise she made for dad and I at school. She couldn't wait to show it to me as soon as I brought her from school Friday.She made this little reindeer out of a wash rag with a bar of soap in it. Then put the antlers, eyes and nose on it.She was just as excited later when she got to show dad. I just love their gifts they make. They are so special.

Why I LOVE my Husband (Reason #2)

So my husband says to me the other day that he thinks we should go on a date once a week. I look at him in surprise. If you know Rocky this would be a surprise to you too. All I could say was, "Uh huh," as I look at him cautiously, wondering where or when the punch line will come. Then he says that he thinks he should help me once a week in the kitchen. Whether it's make dinner or wash dishes. Now...I'm a little suspicious. He goes on to say that it's good for relationships. Of course my next response is, "Well I'm not opposed to any of this." He also says that we should switch each week. He takes me on a date one week, then the next week it's my turn to take him on a date. He also says that we don't have to spend money for it to be considered a date. We could go for a walk, hang out together, etc.

I'm in awe and wondering where this is coming from. So I ask him. He says that in his first marriage over 25 years ago that he went to a newlywed class. That is where he heard all of this. Again, surprised that he is wanting to apply this to our relationship and the fact that he remembers these things from so long ago.

I wanted to be able to record this event by taking pictures but I forgot my camera. Besides he thought it was silly because I kept saying it was our first date. He kept reminding me that we have dated before and technically have been for the last 10 years.

So the first week we ended up doing some Christmas shopping and trying this pho (sp?) soup at a Tai restaurant. It was delicious! It was refreshing to say we were on a date and to be able to spend some quality time together.

The next week we did more Christmas shopping and ate soup at the Olive Garden. I can't wait to see what next week brings us.

One of the many reasons why I love my husband is because he never ceases to amaze or surprise me.

Happy Birthday Daddy & Husband

December 6th was Rocky's 50th birthday. We had a family get together with cake and ice cream. Then for the adults we had a later birthday bash at the restaurant. Here is Olivia, Sora & Alia giving their daddy his birthday gifts. Sora & Olivia both made their own special cards and Alia did an oil painting of a cabin in Alaska with the borealis (sp???). Then me just giving the birthday man a hug. We love you & Happy Birthday!!!

Sunrise, Sunset, Sunrise, Sunset

Happy Birthday to Rocky from the Man Upstairs. December 6th was Rocky's 50th birthday. He went golfing with a bunch of his buddies this morning and on the way back he called me to take a picture of his sunset. He called it his because it was on his birthday. Anyways, it was a beautiful sunset so here are some of the pictures.

Pig Hunt

Rocky's pig hunt with his brother and some friends. I didn't get a picture of Rocky but this is all of their pigs.This is his brother, Russell, with his pig. Funny story but his pig ended up in mud after he was shot and they had to go pull him out. So that is why his is all muddy.His brother showing the teeth of the wild boar.

Student of the Week

Sora made student of the week! She gets this for being helpful and going above and beyond what she is supposed to be doing. You can see her Student of the Week certificate, a free ice cream certificate from Artic Circle and a pencil.

When you get student of the week you get to sit at a special table and your parents or whomever you choose can come for lunch. So dad, mom and I were able to spend lunch with her on Wednesday, November 19th. We brought burgers, fries and soda. Kids love anything that's not school lunch.

This is Sora and daddy walking down the hall after lunch. I just love the daddy daughter pictures so I had to post this.

One more thing about sweet little Sora is, she had the opportunity to go play at recess after her lunch was finished but rather than go play she wanted to spend the rest of her lunch with us. We take advantage of every chance we get to spend with our children. Sora you are a good example to your peers and we love you!

A Little Kitchen Fun

So we decided to have a little fun in the kitchen while setting up the food for the wedding reception. I've been dying to post these because I think they are hilarious. I laugh every time I see the fourth pic with Chelsea.

This picture kind of reminds me of a fish jumping out of the water. Good form. But no that is not what Chelsea is doing.

Still have no idea what we are doing?

We decided to throw grapes up in the air to see who could catch them with their mouths. Fun times.

I especially love this action shot where the grape just plows into Chelsea's forehead and knocks her out. Okay, she didn't really get knocked out but she got a concussion. Alright, alright, she didn't get that either but it was hilarious!Dacia giving it a shot. Oh and it's right there, keep your eyes open. I forgot did you catch that one? Me as you can see the grape falling to the right of the picture. What's up with that mouth? Adrian!
So I guess we were making a little bit of noise and having a grand 'ol time and attracted an onlooker. Mister hotshot Cabby had to come in and show us up. He caught multiple grapes one after the other. He couldn't just let the women have their fun. Go do the Haka or something. Ha!

Finally, the youngest of the family has tied the knot. We welcome our beautiful new sister-in-law, Sadie.

All the siblings, Shannon, Darren, Me, Dacia, Alexis, Jai, Caleb, Desiree, Chelsea and Curtis.
Some of the cousins.
The sisters with the groom.

The brothers and the groom.

Why I LOVE my Husband (Reason #1)

So, I've decided one of my goals is I'm going to keep a diary of all the reasons why I love my husband. I just want him to know all the reasons why he means so much to me and all the little things I notice that make him the man he is. Plus he'll never have to wonder why I'm attracted to him or why I love him. Just for reference this is not the top reason it's just the first entry I've made.

Here it goes...Last week my husband had to drive to Pocatello which is about three and half hours from here. Our driver that drives the route that goes from Pocatello, ID to Butte, MT then to Three Forks, MT on down to Ennis, Yellowstone and back to Pocatello, ID had to leave because a family emergency. Therefore, to save our company money Rocky decided to drive this route for a week.

After the week was over he decided to stay to find another driver to take over some of the stops that was making this a 12 hour route. So he wanted me to drive down to Pocatello to spend the weekend with him.

Even though he was so excited to see me Friday night he was just completely wiped out from the odd hours and lack of sleep. So, I just let him sleep. The next morning when he woke, I saw his beautiful smile which just made his eyes sparkle. One of the many reasons why I love my husband is because he’s always so excited to see me.

Visiting Family

I had to post this picture of Ethan and I because it's just so cute! He never ceases to amaze me with all the information he has stored in his ever growing mind. Ethan took me on a tour of the house, even though it's not the first time I've been there. But he showed me all the rooms and saved his for last. He wanted to show me all his collections of shells. And I thought I had a lot. Sheesh. He also couldn't stop telling his Auntie Mashaide how beautiful she is. I think I need to see this guy more often. It sure helps my ego. He talked a lot about sea animals because Uncle Rocky brought up our experiences on the islands and all the animals Auntie Mashaide got to see and swim with or not. So he told us the one animal he would not want to swim with right now is a Portguese Man of War. Then Ethan told us all about them. I think that kid knows more than I do.

Me, my beautiful sister, Dacia and husband, Matthew

Rocky & I with our nephew & nieces

Top Row: Ethan, Me, & Rocky

Bottom Row: Lexy Lu Lu & Princess Kalin

What Girls Do

This last weekend I drove down to Pocatello, ID to spend some time with Rocky. He's been busy driving the night route to Montana all week until he could find someone else to take over the route.

Sunday, I got to visit my sister, Dacia and the family in Rexburg, ID for a couple hours which was nice.

I got to paint the little girls finger nails. I did them a light pink shade, then put pretty little butterfly and flower stickers on them, and did a final coat of sparkles. You can't really see the details of their nails in these pictures but you get the idea. The girls were so cute!

Dacia made an amazing chicken pasta dinner with croissant (sp?) rolls. I'll have to get the recipe. YUM!

It's always so good to see family and I can't wait to see them again in two weeks.

Fall Colors

I just wanted to post a picture of my husband and our huge dog, Saudalor. I just love it when he dresses like a farmer. He's so cute! I think the picture in our blog heading really shows the playful side of my husband. He always seem to put a smile on my face.

I love all the fall colors. This is a picture of one of our trees and some mums. Such a beautiful contrast the red and yellow. Love it.

The Costumes

Victoria, Olivia, Sora & AliaOlivia as a witch. She was getting into character.
Sora as a vampire.
Victoria & Alia as hobos.

All the Pumpkins

(Top -Bottom) Alia's Pumpkin, Victoria's Pumpkin

(Top -Bottom) Summer's Pumpkin, Sora's Pumpkin

(Top -Bottom) Shasta's Pumpkin, Mashaide's Pumpkin

(Top -Bottom) Olivia's Pumpkin, Hayden's Pumpkin

All of them together.