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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

Texas Style

We took an awesome vacation to Texas to visit Traces brother and family this summer.

We had such a fun time and my kids have decided they want to move to Texas, I guess I should say everyone, but Alexa. The boys thought the boat and the lake were great and when you can drive a four wheeler all alone, then its even better. We ate real Texas barbeque,( seriously sooo good) stayed up way to late, went to the famous water park "Slidderbon", and what would Texas be without a trip to the Alamo ( it took about 25 minutes to tour). We had lunch with Traces long time friend that he had not seen since he was twelve and since Trace used to live there we got a tour of his old stomping grounds. A HUGE thank you to Garrick and Nicci who took care of us for the week. Seriously, they were so kind always making sure we were having a good time.

I will say this, as my kids get older they are not around as much anymore, always at friends houses, babysitting, school, and sporting events. This vacation was GREAT no one could say I don't want to go and do that because its "Family Vacation" and you do it. As my kids get older I must admit I miss them and I suppose this is only the beginning of this, but I see the great importance of going on a family vacation and everyone being together weather you like it or not, but I must say my kids still think that Trace and I are "ok" to hang out with and I am truly grateful for that!

USS MIDWAY

We took a road trip to San Diego to visit the retired air craft carrier USS Midway. It was incredible! We got to tour the entire ship and our kids loved it. We saw where the men and women of the navy slept, ate, and worked. Our kids quickly discovered that you don't want to be the lowest man on the totem pole in the Navy. You get the worst sleeping quarters, with about 5 bunks in one room( really you can't even call it a room) and you get a small locker. It was truly humbling, even our kids could not believe the living conditions of most of the men. It was a great reminder to all of us the great sacrifice that is made by those serving our country. All I can say is the Power Family was reminded of the sacrifice that is made by so many who serve our country and we are truly grateful!!!

4th of July

We had a great 4th of July. We spent the morning at Grams and Grandads house swimming with cousins and laying by the pool. Then we headed to the beach with our friends and had a BBQ and watched the fireworks.