Christmas Morning

Christmas morning was great. Isaac woke up before Mike & I (I am not sure HOW early) we woke up to the sounds of him playing with the toys Santa had left for him. When we walked out of our room Isaac said "You woke me up mommy". This is what he says because he thinks he will be in trouble for getting out of bed.

Isaac got his kitchen set :)

Mike and I were spoiled by so many others as well.

The night before Christmas a special thing happened...one/some of my friends who knew I was missing Cassady & Josh and my parents all at the same time this year...left a package for me, Mike & Isaac. It included a poem that explained that we were loved by many. It touched us deeply!

Isaac & Dad Boxing

Mike has always loved boxing and now he loves to teach our children. I snuck in on he and Isaac practicing and...well, I had to take some pictures. How lucky our children are to have a father who loves to spend time with them!!!

Little Family Christmas Party

Each year my sister Nicole and I get our families together for a Christmas party. This year we visited Santa & Mrs. Clause and then went back to Nicole's house for cookies and hot chocolate. Isaac, (even though he had told me "I will NOT be shy to Santa...I will tell him I want a kitchen set for christmas") would NOT sit on his lap.
The kids exchanged gifts from each other and had a great time. We are so lucky to have family to spend time with!

Temple Square Musical

Our friends, Kassie & Jeff, invited us to go with them to the musical at Temple Square. We had so much fun!

What a wonderful, spiritual experience it was to hear beautiful music from the Tabernacle Choir.

Joshua is Student of the Month

Joshua has come a long way...from the beginning of this school year until now. Mike and I are so proud of him!

His teacher picked him as student of the month because he has such great behavior in class and he is doing so well with his school work.

He does not like to be up in front of people because they "Look" at him, this is why he is sporting the grumpy look on his face :)

Piano Recital

Cassady, Joshua & I had a piano recital this weekend. This was my first ever recitals. It was one of the hardest things I have done. I have a new appreciation for what the kids do every time they perform. Joshua & I did a duet to the music "Jingle Bells".

I am living one of my dreams by learning to play the piano. I am so grateful to my family for supporting me.

Thanksgiving

This year Mike, Isaac and I went to Arizona for Thanksgiving. We went there to see Mike's dad Robert, his Uncle Mike and Aunt Sue. Mike's sister Julie her husband Matt and daughter Catherine were there as well.

It was great to see everyone. Isaac was so cute with his grandpa. You will see in one of the pictures that he hurt his finger and is showing it to his grandpa to put a bandaid on. Isaac and Catherine were so cute together. He loved getting his picture with her and wanted to see it right away every time.

We got the opportunity to go to the Arizona Temple while we were there to see the lights. It was so beautiful! Mike was able to go inside the temple but I had the FLU so I could not go with him. He said it was wonderful.

Growing Up Fast

These photos were taken by their dad's friend. I about died when I saw them. These two gorgeous children have grown up before my eyes. I am amazed by how time has flown.

Cassady recently begged me to let her cut her hair. I finally gave in and it turned out so cute!

Making Cookies

I thought it was so cute that Cassady had Isaac help her make cookies. She is such an amazing big sister...so kind, fun & good with Isaac.

The cookies tasted awesome!!!

Halloween

Isaac was a pirate for Halloween this year. He loved the costume!!! Mike took him house to house trick-or-treating. He would not say anything until he got home because he was being shy. He told me about the house with the scary spider that he "DID NOT LIKE". Other than the spider he had so much fun.

The entire month of October he told me "I don't like the OOOO-AHAHAHAH...it scares me".

Cassady & Joshua had fun at their dad's this year. We missed them terribly!!!

Football Season Ends

We were sad to see the end of Joshua's football season. It has been a great growing experience for him. He is, all of a sudden, so grown up. Mike & I are so proud of his dedication and hard work.

He is already looking forward to next year!