Katie's Journal Entry

Tonight Katie showed us one of her latest journal entries. Here it is:

if I were to kiss a boy I wood say if I coud get muny for booing it.

Translation:
If I were to kiss a boy, I would say if I could get money for doing it.

Um, WHAT!!! Tommy and I just looked at each other in shock. Where did she get an idea like that? She told us that she heard about a girl on Disney channel (radio) that kissed a boy for $20.00. Well, should I be afraid of what is to come OR applaud her entrepreneurial spirit??

Tom is now employed!

After over a year Tom has finally secured a job! Sigh of relief. He is now gainfully employed at University of Phoenix as an Academic Advisor. So now we are trying to figure out where are going to go and what we are going to do with ourselves. We are blessed that Tom can get an MBA for free. Yipee!!! I like free!!!!!!!!! Congrats Tom!!!!

Here We Go Again....

I have yet again started another class on my way to obtaining a nursing degree. It feels like I have been at this for years now. Of course, there have been two moves and unemployment in all that time. So, wish me luck. I am taking Anatomy/Physiology 201. So far, so good. Of course it is only my second day!!!! Check back with me in a couple weeks. If you call, you may hear sobbing on the other end of the phone :)

Sunday Thought

This past Thursday I went to the Temple for the last time in 2009. I went through my session and I was preparing to leave to the dressing rooms when I saw a little girl and boy coming from on the sealing rooms. At first I was startled at seeing such young people walking in the temple, but then I realized that they were being sealed to their mom and dad. The boy and girl were walking away with their escort when I saw their mom and dad. As they were walking toward the locker room they looked into the mirror and they saw themselves as a celestial family. Of course they had tears in their eyes and I did too. The spirit was very strong as this little family made their down the hall. It just reminded me how grateful I am for the principle of Eternal Families. I will never forget seeing that little family being bonded together forever and the love and gratitude they had for the sealing ordinance.

Kellen's new church outfit

this is kellen in his own funny outfit.
(Katie typed out this post. Good job!)

Snow Day

The day after Christmas we went up to Pine Valley, UT and played in the snow. Katie and Kellen had a great time. They missed playing in the snow.

We went sledding too. The snow was old so it was like ice. The hill that we were sliding down was so slippery that it scared me to go down. We went down twice and then the kids wanted to try and build snowmen and make snowballs.

Katie and her cousin Jake.

Christmas 2009

Katie and Kellen got bikes from Santa this year for Christmas. Kellen was super excited to ride his bike. Kellen is wearing Katie's shoes because we couldn't find his shoes right away. He really doesn't wear pink shoes on a daily basis.
Here is Katie's new bike. It's a little big (nice job Santa!), but she has room to grow.

Nani's birthday is also on Christmas. We were celebrating her birthday with a yummy ice cream cake.

This year we could not find our stockings because they are in the storage unit. So, we made our own. Here is Kellen creation.

Katie was super creative with her stocking. It was so fun. I think we might start making our stockings every year.

Katie's loot.

Kellen was so excited to get a bear from Grandma & Grandpa Everett.

Yeah, Katie got a book. Katie is still a little tired.

Grandma & Grandpa Lyle gave the kids their presents before we went to St. George. Kellen got church clothes and a movie and a Sponge Bob video game.

Christmas Eve at the Everetts

Every Christmas Eve at the Everett home in St. George, UT, we do a reinactment of the birth of Jesus. This year Katie played Mary and her cousin Jake played Joseph. They were very precious.

Here is Mary, Joseph, Lauren as the star, baby Jesus, Ted as the Shepard, and Cole as the lamb.

Kellen wanted to be a snake and a shepard all at the same time. So, we put his grand idea together and got a "Shepard Snake." Notice the nice green material is the snake outfit and the head piece is the shepard portion.

Here is Tom as one of the wisemen. Love the costume!!

Our visit to Santa

This year we went for FHE to go and see Santa. While we were waiting (for a long time!) it started to snow.

For some reason Kellen loves to lay on the floor at every store we visit.

At first Kellen refused to have anything to do with Santa. Tom had to sit down while I took the picture.

After much coaxing, Kellen actually sat on Santa's lap and told him he wanted a video game. Katie said that she wanted an American Girl doll. Santa delivered!!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, your branches are so lovely....

Uncle Scotty putting up the stockings.
Aunt Di decorating the tree.

Grandma looks so lovely putting up an ornament.

Katie is so proud of our tree!

My parents just got a new entertainment center. I decorated it with fresh tree branches and lights. Notice the 52" tv. It's so fun to watch!

Katie and Aunt Di.

We tried!

This is our attempt at a Christmas photo of Katie and Kellen. Kellen was not working with us at all. This is picture number 1.

Attempt #2. Kellen is warming up.

Kellen actually opened his eyes and smiled! Yeah. Now for Katie....

We did it!!!! Katie and Kellen look fantastic. Of course I failed to get any Christmas cards or pictures out. Oh well, next year.

Tempe Town Lake Celebration

We went to Tempe Town Lake for it's 10 year celebration. It featured decorated boats and fireworks. The kids loved the fireworks.
Katie took a picture of a boat while on Tom's shoulders.

Kellen's nap time

One day Kellen insisted on taking his nap in his closet. Here he is in his little bed next to Katie's dresser.

Here is the closet where he is resting. You would never know that a little man is resting inside.

Christmas Sidewalk Chalk

This year Katie's school had a sidewalk chalk activity. The students were invited to each take a square and decorate it Christmas style. It was so fun!! They each got hot chocolate, candy cane, and a free breakfast or dessert treat.

Here is Katie's master piece. She actually got a little award for being so fabulous! Yeah for Katie!!