Happy New Year {2011 Resolutions}

this year will be simple

i resolve to do one thing

*run a half marathon*

Running a half will be a huge challenge for me since the only races I've done are a few 5k's and since training for a half will require me to live a healthier lifestyle (which is a good thing) and stay focused for more than two weeks a long period of time.

I originally vowed to do three things in 2011
but let's face it...
there's nothing "simple" about me running a half marathon,
which is why I decided to only have one resolution.

View from the Empire State Building 2010

i wish i was in new york city to see the ball drop

 but until then i just have fun on picnik

really though, we are heading to chantell's

for what's bound to be a super fun party with the kids...

i'll be hopped up on caffeine

trying for year two of

up 'till midnight!

Happy New Year!!

*revised on 1-2-11 :)

Minnesota Trip 2010

This is the third year we've gone to Minnesota to visit our friends and see a Vikings game however, mother nature had some other plans causing this...

It was crazy, the worst storm they've had since like 1984 and we happened to pick that week. I have to admit though, I was way excited to see all the snow considering we live in Arizona. Don't mind Kimball in this ladies coat...desperate times call for desperate measures.

After having been snowed in the first few days and temps dropping to 40 below at night, this sunshine was a welcomed site! We eventually made our way out of the house for dinner and a movie and we went to the girls piano recital.

As always we had a fabulous time and are thankful to Tammy and Darrell for having us. Sophia loved all the hand-me-downs she got...it's been a dialy fashion show ever since.

Back at home, my parents were busy shuffeling the boys back and forth to their performances and enjoying Arizona's 80 degree weather! Is it just me or are the leaves unusually colorful this year? I've been here for ten years and I've never seen so many beautiful fall leaves, I feel like I'm back in Utah...love it!

Fly Like an Eagle {Edie}

A few words to my dear friend Edie who just before Christmas had a tragic house fire in the middle of the night and lost her beautiful home and all her possessions. Thankfully, Edie, Steve, and the girls escaped without harm.

I met Edie in 2008 through blogging. We quickly realized we shared a lot in common namely, our love of the Vikings (more specifically all things Favre), good books, home schooling, song lyrics and now C.S. Lewis. I love her like a sister and have benefited greatly from our friendship. We've often referred to ourselves as 'twins' in many things only she got the looks and the brains!

Edie is an amazing woman of strong faith, deep love and great compassion for others. Please keep her sweet family in your prayers as they trudge through the difficult days ahead.

I came across a scripture and a quote that instantly made me think of her. I know as always she will 'soar like an eagle' and make it through this 'without stain'.

Isaiah 40:31

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

"God, who foresaw your tribulation, has specially armed you to go through it, not without pain but without stain."

-C.S. Lewis

Twenty-Ten...A Year In Pictures

Twenty-Ten was a big year for us,

we moved, we traveled, we home schooled, we read a lot of great books together, 

went on many fun hikes and made great memories with family and friends.

We experienced growth...both physical and spiritual.

Sophia was potty trained, learned to write her name, ABC'S, numbers and peddle her bike. She saw the ocean for the first time and survived being away from mom and dad for a whole week.

Kade was baptized, became a scout, a better swimmer and a great reader.

 He played flag football, learned to ride his bike and discovered he loves to hike and cook, Kade excelled in

his studies and completed his second year of home schooling.

Jaxon had a big year too; he turned twelve and became a deacon, read a ton of books on

'how to become an author', worked hard on his math skills, he played flag football, got braces,

was elected mayor at school and along with Kade,  acted in his first play 

The Best Christmas Pagent Ever.

I'm so grateful for all that we've learned and accomplished this year,

I'm off to write down my goals and resolutions for

2011

Dear Santa,

After saying for months she wanted a doll house,

it's now Christmas Eve and Sophia has switched to a puppy.

Hmmm, hope she's not disappointed.

It's been a fun week watching her excitment grow...

she's very much a believer!

Christmas Greeting 2010

We're so grateful for the wonderful friends and family we have.

Thanks so much for your love and support,

 we feel truly blessed to have you in our lives.

Have a Merry Christmas and God bless!