This is to Ty from us!

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Hope you can swim...this is PRETTY deep!

It has been a while since I posted, so thought I would just type a post to say how GRATEFUL I am for all the BLESSINGS I have in my LIFE! Yeah, I know it's not Thanksgiving or anything but recently I have had time to reflect on all I have going in life and I am THANKFUL for:


My faithful pioneer relatives who walked over 1500 miles to find a place they could live and be accepted, as well as practice the true religion of Jesus Christ. I am THANKFUL I am a part of that religion. I often wonder how faithful I would have been had I been there.

FRIENDSHIPS that I have developed every place I have lived. I am GRATEFUL for the wonderful people I have met in my life and now our life as a family not only here, but overseas as well. I am blessed to be able to stay connected with those people and continue being their friend! I know that certain paths have been crossed for a REASON and I will never be the same.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is UNSEEN. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is ETERNAL. - 2 Corinthians 4:18

I am thankful for being taught to look at things in the ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE...to try and see beyond this world. Am I doing what I need to do to get to where I need to be? Am I allowing God to mold me to be the person he sees me to be? It is so easy to let the material things, everyday annoyances, and issues get in the way of what REALLY MATTERS. I am GRATEFUL to know that the grass isn't greener anywhere except where my Heavenly Father is. Hollywood would like us to think that what we wear, say or how much money we have is important. Really....it doesn't matter eternally what the world thinks! Are you doing what is right for your forever family?
The pioneers had an eternal perspective when they walked across the plains...especially those who died doing it.

I save the best for last...my FAMILY! I am grateful for such patient, strong, fun, and loving kids and a husband who does EVERYTHING for us...never himself. It is good to know that on this JOURNEY, I have such great guys to help me along:)

Did I drowned you in "deep thoughts by Amber"? It has been a cold day indoors and it has allowed me to "reflect". I would like to know...what are you THANKFUL for?

Fun Pics with Brock

Guess I'm in the lovey dovey mood lately with my kids....

We had a fun day today. Yes, I have a ton of laundry to fold but this was way more fun! These are my favorite kind of times.

Giving kisses in the mornin'

Just couldn't resist posting these pics of us giving kisses to eachother this morning. I have really enjoyed this little exchange lately. I love this little squooshy baby! (Please forgive the dark circles-it had been a loooong night!)

Our Christmas

The tree that cost me a ticket and almost broke my back putting it up!

So...we decided last minute to pack up and go ahead to Utah. It was a really good decision and the kids had a blast!

Here the fam is making a gingerbread house at Tori's.

We started out in Layton, where Ty's parents live and played in the snow. We built a snowman and had snow fights the first day we were there. We then stayed over at Tori's (Ty's sister's) house in Mantua (city between Brigham and Logan) - that place had so much snow! Mountains surround the houses in Mantua and there is so much to do. The kids played out in it everyday, sledding and Brock even got the chance to go snowmobiling down the street. I would love to live out there one day! On Christmas eve, poor Sidnee broke 2 bones in her lower leg, taking our Brock down the hill on a sled. She stopped with her legs as they were going fast toward some trees. We feel really bad for her and hope she gets better soon! What a sad vacation for her. (though Trey loved his time with her snuggling in bed since she had no place to go:) Christmas was fun, and the boys got all they asked for Christmas (we used quality control on what Santa can really afford).

(poor Sid...on the couch...with a broken leg:(

The Sunday after Christmas, Kade was blessed in Layton. He was a little big for the blessing outfit his older brothers wore, so we went out and bought him this one:)

One of us was happy!

We got to meet my sweet nephew Benson and spend some time with Lori and Allen in Provo. It has become a little tradition to eat with them at Los Hermanos! Yum:) We then got to see my brother, Jeff, in Draper and hang at their house for a while. Those kids are growing too fast!

On the way home, we actually stayed in a hotel instead of driving straight through:0). There was a storm on our way out and it followed us so we had to hurry. The hotel was in Albuquerque, and it had a waterslide! We all took turns sliding down it.

There was a scary incident when Brock saved Trey from drowning in the hot tub...nice one Mom. I was in the middle of switching with Ty and taking the baby when we heard Brock scream "Trey!" He jumped in and hung on with one hand on Trey, the other on the step. By the time I got to them, they were both looking up at me with big eyes. I wanted to cry, but jumped on top of Brock (as he later puts it) to pull them both out. I am so proud of Brock for not letting go, when he could have easily just saved himself.

All in all, we had a blast-but we are happy to be back to the reality of a messy home and all the responsibilities of life...sigh.