My Baby is ONE!

1997 Inauguration Memories

Do you ever have those moments when you think, "Did I really get to do that?" Well, I have been reminiscing a great deal today about one of those moments. You see, in 1997 my jumprope team was asked to represent the state of Idaho in President Clinton's Inaugural parade. In the above picture, I am the one on the right turning the double dutch ropes. If you look closely you can see Bill Clinton and Al Gore standing up. Pretty Cool, huh?

I remember how spectacular the whole experience was. There was so much excitement and enthusiasm in the air. Washington DC was wrapped in a blanket of red, white, and blue. It was a sea of waving flags. The feeling of patriotism was palpable throughout the streets of DC.

The parade route went through DC and culminated with a march down Pennsylvania Avenue ending right at 1600. The temperature was mid 20's - but after jumproping for over 2 miles in fleece flag jackets - we were all plenty warm, and plenty tired.

The night of the Inauguration, the city was filled with limo's of fancy couples headed to Inaugural Balls. I wondered what it would be like to be in one of those limo's headed to a black tie affair.

I am grateful for that remarkable experience. I told Kyler about it today and his eyes got huge. He asked, "Can I tell my teacher tomorrow?"

I enjoyed watching the Inauguration festivities today. I am not Barrack Obama's #1 fan, but I respect the office and understand the gravity of his responsibilities. I adored the pomp and circumstance of today. I thought Michelle Obama looked regal - but don't you think she could have worn red or blue? I was not a fan of the green gloves. My biggest question of the day - Ms. Aretha Franklin - did your hat have to be THAT big?

A special thanks to my sister, Clarissa, for finding and sending me the above picture.

A Series of Unfortunate Events

Our Christmas break was fantastic, with the exception of 3 unfortunate events.

1. The day before Christmas, Dan and I were in the couples sled race at the cabin. I jumped on the back of his sled and bonked my head on the back of his head. I fell off the sled and before I came to my feet, my eye was swollen shut. I had quite a shiner for about a week. I think it was my first ever black eye.

2. Kyler woke up sick on Christmas morning and threw up while opening presents.

3. We tried to drive home from Rexburg in a snowstorm. We got 1/2 hour passed Pocatello and felt as if we were risking our lives. I was absolutely terrified. We turned around and drove back to Pocatello and stayed in a hotel for the night. We left Pocatello mid-morning and drove home for church the next day. The road was still treacherous and the visibility was 0%. We later found out that they closed the road minutes after we went through. I have never been so grateful to make it home in my life. I have decided that we will not be traveling until June. I am so grateful that our prayers for safety and protection were answered.

Rachel and Bryant's Wedding

Rachel and Bryant were married on December 19th in the Rexburg Temple. The day was perfect and the bride was beautiful. We are so excited to have "Uncle Bryant" in our family.

Christmas Pics

We spent Christmas with my family at the StoneFly Lodge in Ashton. We were there for Christmas two years ago, and loved it so much that we went back this year. We had a fantastic time sledding, snowmobiling, eating, playing games, and celebrating Christmas. The snow fell all day on Christmas and we truly felt like we were in heaven. We are already excited for Christmas 2010 when we will all be together to celebrate again. We missed you Rissa!

12 Days of Christmas

The following are pictures of our 12 Days of Christmas activities. These activities made for a wonderul December for our family. I hope that 12 Days of Christmas will be a tradition in our home for years to come. Made a Christmas Chain. Made "Hand Print" Santa's.

Went to see the lights in the South Hills.

Made popcorn treats for our neighbors.

Had a family movie night.

Made our own nativity set.

Wrote Christmas cards.

Did a Christmas craft.

Went caroling to the Nursing Home.

Had a family Hot Chocolate night.

Went to see Santa.

Made Bread Dough Decorations.

Merry Christmas!

Let the Baking Begin

The kids are playing in the freshly falling snow, Josh Groban is serenading me with wonderful Christmas songs, my house smells like Cinnamon pine cones...let the baking begin! I LOVE these days!!!!

The Best Gift Yet!

Last week, Dan surprised/ completely shocked me with this Little People Nativity Set. I consider myself somewhat of a collector and this little set has to be my favorite. I literally started crying when he gave it to me. Halle and Millie play with it nonstop. Thanks Dan!

Gingerbread Houses

Tradition! Thanks to my Mom for baking the gingerbread, making the icing, and hosting our annual gingerbread making party!