JOY

Blake brings our family so much joy! I love to listen to the things she says. She has her Dad and I wrapped around her finger!

Christmas 2010

Boots for the Girls!

Grandad reading on Christmas Eve
Blake at the barn with Grandpa
Biggest BYU fans ever!
Blake and Alexa getting ready to out into the blizzard.

The boys snowboarding

HURT

TODAY I WAS AT THE SKATEPARK I HIT MY FINGER.IT IS SPRAYNED.

CHANCE,S PAGE

SKATINg skating that is prety much all day.check out my new movie

Christmas 2009

We celebrated Christmas with our own little family this year and we had a wonderful time. I do miss being with extended family, but it is fun to create our own little traditions. As you can see Blake fell asleep before 6pm, but she then made up for it by staying up until 12:30 am with Trace and I.

I am truly grateful for our family and all the many blessings we have received this year. As our kids get older I am truly trying to enjoy them because I know this time in our life will go fast.

Blake sacked out from all the excitement.
Alexa opening her ugg boots and so happy.
Chance with one of his many toys...
Dane and I frosted Christmas cookies so Santa would have something to eat when he visited us.
Blake loving her stroller at 12a.m. on Christmas Eve.
Everyone prepared for Santa's visit.

Money, Money, Money

Lets see I have not posted since the summer, but time has gotten away from me and now it is January, so here goes....

Since the economy has not been very good a lot of my thoughts have been placed on money and how we handle it.... I must say I am not the greatest at this, but again it's 2010 and I am attempting to improve. I overheard a conversation the other day that really made me think and truly scared that some people could have this view. Here is how the conversation went: We are currently renting, we own a house in another state but can't sell it, as soon as we can afford to buy we are going to let them foreclose or short sell our house... Another individual sitting there said " oh we are not paying our mortgage, it is too much and we want to refinance under Obamas plan... Now both people who were sitting by me, husbands have jobs... Now I am not in a position to judge because maybe these people are in real financial trouble I am not sure.... but it sure made me think how I handle my money. I have put myself on a strict budget( I will let you know how it goes, I have never been good at this, but the conversation scared me, because my thought was, how many people think this way and if a lot of people are thinking this way our country is in big trouble!)

Trace and I are very lucky we both have parents who have been able to help us... I hope we can do the same for our kids. We are also fortunate that Trace has a good job. Look my attempt is not to judge it just made me really think about how I view money! Our Bishop recently had a combined meeting to let people know how the welfare system worked in our ward. A man visiting raised his hand in the meeting, he was a regional authority and said that the church was having a special fast because the church is currently helping so many people. He also asked to please give a generous fast offering. So my new years resolution is to save and be financially responsible and improve how our family handles money. I figure if I post it, I am accountable...and the few people who view my blog can check up on me!!!!

Money