Ben! What are you doing?

I came down stairs and I found Ben drinking RedHot. I knew he liked spicy foods, all in credit to my uncle Gabriel, but really? Who does this? I love my kids but my boys snack choices are not normal.

Christmas 2011

Tyson climbing all over his Uncle Travis. Sorry Travis, we probably should have warned you.


We were so lucky that Abby and Travis came to have Christmas dinner with us. It made Christmas all the more special. Abby and Travis were visiting from New York. Travis's mom lives near and it was so sweet of them to come and visit us too. We love Abby and Tavis and can't wait to see them again.


A cute family photo.

December Happenings

Brady and Ben sitting with Santa. One is never too old to tell Santa you Christmas dreams. I believe they asked Santa for remote control helicopters and more video games. Tyson asked for a Nerf gun. Eden asked for a DSi.

Every year we have tried to go to see a Live Nativity. In Vegas the Charleston Chapel had it every year and in St George we would to to Tuachan. I am glad to report that we found one here. The Live Nativity we went to this year was at Liberty Park and it was a walking Live Nativity. There were several Nativities we could go to so maybe for the next few Christmas we will try to go to different ones. Tyson and I also ventured out to see the Elves at Gardner Village. We did drive to the SLC Temple to see the Christmas lights but we were really cold and not up for the walk after freezing at the Live Nativity. The lights from the perspective of the car were amazing. Just imagine if we had gotten out and walked around. One of the perks of living in a larger city is that there is always something to do!


Our Gingerbread house without any adult help. Except clean up, of course.


Eden singing with all the second graders. They sang a Chipmunk Christmas song. Hence the hats.

Ben has loved learning to play the cello. His class also sang in the "Sing Around the Tree" concert. Brady also had a choir concert but it was packed and I decided to video instead of taking still pictures. Funny story of the night...

A 9th grader comes up to Brady 7th grader and said "hey you want to go to Little Ceasars?"

Brady gave the perplexed look and she responded "Cause I'm hot and your ready"

I had a good laugh at Brady's expense. He said he didn't know how to respond so he said he smiled and walked away. I'm sure the 9th grader was toying with the 7th graders but I got a kick listening to him tell me what happened behind the scenes at these choir concerts.

Ugly Ornament Party 2011

cookie exchange.

Work Christmas Party

Here is a picture of some of the gals I work with. I feel lucky to love what I do. I always learn something new. I love the miracle of motherhood. Thanks to the Gals who put this thing together. We all had fun.

Eden's Baptism A day full of Blessings

We couldn't have done it with out the help of the Whipples. Traditionally when our kids get baptized, we have it with the Ward and Stake. This year we really felt it was important to be able to have family be present for Eden's special day. We had the baptism in Vegas with Bishop Whipple presiding and aunt Leah playing the piano.


My mom, Irene, was able to drive up from Huntington Beach and be present as two of her grandaughters were baptized. I love my mom and I am constantly grateful for her.


Jasmine, my niece, and Eden were blessed on the same day and now they were baptized on the same day. They felt like the princess they are.

I can't believe Eden turned 8. she has a strong testimony of the Gospel and loves to choose the right. It is such a joy to see her beautiful spirit grow in faith. It was a special day for all of us.

Thanksgiving Weekend Part I

Thanksgiving at the Nottages

This year for Thanksgiving we spent it in Las Vegas and Grandma Nottage made a most delicious feast. We all stuffed our faces in the best company. Later we headed to the Whipple's for some dessert. The whole Whipple clan was there even their newest addition that was only days old. Thanks guys for having us over!!!

Everyday I am grateful for so many blessings. I am constantly grateful for a loving husband who keeps me sane with his humor and always works so hard to provide. I am grateful that we have been blessed with four wonderful children in our lives. Each one teaches me so much. I love being a mom. I'm not a perfect mom but I love how motherhood makes me want to be better and better. I am grateful for my calling as a primary teacher. I love that I need to study the scriptures in order to teach from them. My brain seems to absorb more this way. I am grateful for FB..Yes I know shocker. I love seeing what family is up to. It makes me feel like I am not so far away. I am grateful for extended family. I feel like I can go on and on and so I will narrow my gratitude to Thanking Heavenly Father for all the tender mercies and blessings he has imparted. I feel very humbled and blessed.