Lesson in gratitude

I've had to do some hard things over the last two days and by doing them I have learned to be grateful. I had to fire 13 people and as for the rest of my 55 employees I had to cut their pay by $2.00 an hour. I really hate this part of my job. These are very tough economic times and there really aren't many jobs out there. Some people were angry (and they had a right to be) but most people were just happy they still had a job. I realized I need to be very grateful that my husband and I have jobs. I also realized that we are blessed in so many ways. I think I take for granted the fact that we can by food and pay our bills, and even have money to do some fun things. I realize how very important it is to save for the hard times that are sure to come. I need to be grateful for the small things in life, I'm grateful for trails that remind us of all we have.

KIMMY IS 18!!!!!

Kimmy at 18

Kimmy at 1

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIMMY!!

I can't believe that she is 18. She has been so much fun all her life. Her energy and excitement for life is contagious. She is kind and loving and is always looking out for the underdog. She loves to read, shop (especially finding a great bargain), working out, children, friends, and family. She has a testimony of the Gospel that leaves me in awe. She is an example to me in every way. I love her so much and feel very blessed to not only have her for my daughter, but also my friend.

We took her to the Gateway to go shopping for her birthday. I told her she had $100 and to make the most of it. Boy did she ever!! She got 2 pair of jeans, 1 pair of cargo pants, 2 pair of leggings, 4 sweaters, 2 tops, 1 dress and a hat. Can that girl shop or what? I was so proud!

Here are just a few of the friends that came to her party. It was a great night of Rock Band, You Tube and just hanging out.

Should pretty girls make ugly faces. She does an ugly face almost every time I want to take her picture. I try to tell her that all of our memories will be of this, and that when her children look at these they will think something was wrong with her.

Sad Day

Kascade

We had to have our dog Kascade put down today. When we got up this morning, I noticed some blood on the floor and wall. This dog has a bad elbow so I thought it was from that, but when I looked at her I saw that she was dripping blood from her rectum. (Sorry So descriptive) Anyway I called the vet and took her in they said she had a tumor. We decided to have her put down because they told us it was only a matter of time and we didn't want her to suffer. I woke the kids up, they cried and wanted to go with me. I hate to see my kids so sad. We cried all the way home. I don't know how Ron is going to do all of his meetings today. It is probably best he is so busy, he really loves his dogs.

Cookies

Julie here is the cookie recipe I told you I would give you forever ago.

Oatmeal Chip Cookies

1/2 Cup Shortening

1/2 Cup Butter

1 Cup Sugar

Cream Together

Add

2 Eggs

1 Tsp. Vanilla

1 1/2 TB. Water

1 Tsp. Salt

1 Tsp. Soda

1 1/2 Cups Wheat Flour

3 Cups Old Fashioned Oats

1/2 Cup Milk Chocolate Chips

1/2 Cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips

1/2 Cup Butterscotch Chips

Bake at 325 Until Done

What were we thinking!

We had a great Christmas this year. We had lots of family parties and lots of fun. I was afraid we were so busy that maybe we didn't include Christ enough in our Christmas festivities. When I said this to Kimmy she asked what I was talking about. She reminded me that we did way more service this year than we had ever done before and that we had spent a ton of time with family. What better way to include Christ in our Christmas. I had to agree with her.

I'm not sure what we were thinking, other than he really wanted them. Our only saving grace is that he really is good at the drums, so it's not just random pounding. They are a lot louder than I thought they would be.

The boys thought the big trucks were great. They could deliver packages and scoop up garbage.
Mama Mia was a big hit with Kimmy.
Maegan and Cami both got running shoes with Nike Plus so we are all ready for a challenge. Hillary I hear you got one too so you will be getting a challenge from me. Cami is training for a marathon so she will probably out run us all.

Josh was a little surprised I found a Fragle Rock DVD, but I think pleasantly so.

Chase picked out all of his presents this year, so no big surprises. I think he was still very happy, other than no video game.Dan got an ultra light sleeping bag. He's all about his camping, much to Maegans dismay.

Maegan and Dan gave Ron the sham wow. I can not even tell you how excited he and Toph were. They have wanted them forever.

The kids gave me a Willow Tree nativity set. I loved it!

I thought I would add just a few family party photos.

He is now a Master

Josh completed his Master degree this semester. He didn't want to walk, he didn't want a party, he was just done and that was it. He wouldn't walk when he received his Bachelors either. Well Cami thought we should celebrate and I most certainly agreed. So on Sunday we had a

non- party party. Cami made wonderful food, the whole family came over and we even sang "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." Which we thought was funny, him, not so much. We also decided that since we were all together we should build gingerbread houses. We had a great time! We did one for each house. Brayden helped Chase with his. We had so much fun I think this will have to be a new tradition.
One of my most favorite things about this time of year is all of the fun family things we get to do. We have already gone to the Nutcracker, The Forgotten Carols, The First Presidency's Christmas devotional, the ward party, tonight we are going to the Symphony. My family is going a little crazy because we have something almost every night, but I am loving it.

Kimmy also went to the Christmas dance on Saturday. Doesn't she look beauitful?

Snow Day at Nana's

Brayden got to come play at Nana's so Cami could do a little shopping. We were sooo excited that it snowed. We couldn't wait to get outside and build a snowman. We had a snowball fight and we were sad when the snow started to melt already. What a great day we had just spending time together, of course he couldn't wait until Toph came home.