Surprising Results

I surprised Linzi this Christmas with a quilt. She had no idea I was working on it the month before Christmas ... I could only work on it while she was at school. I think it's so Linzi ... her favorite color is black, and she loves dogs more than anything else, so it's perfect for her.

I love it when good surprises work out. So fun!!

Life in the Slow Lane

You'd think because it's vacation and Matt is home that we would be doing so many exciting things I'd be too busy to write them all down. Unfortunately, that's not the case. We've actually not been doing much at all, and therefore, I have nothing new to say.

I guess we're boring? At least our house is getting cleaner.

Funny Girl

I was lying in bed last night, and my feet were crossed, causing a lump under the blanket. Tessa looked at my feet and said .... "Mom, a feet mountain. A mountain of feet."

Christmas Day

We always have a yummy breakfast and then open presents. (this is a cinnamon bundt sweet roll thing .... really good. Thanks Cori for the recipe)These are our Christmas fruits (red and green ... )I just love watching the look on their faces when they open the gifts I spent time choosing.

And then after it's all over (it didn't take very long) they play together and are relatively happy most of the day. That's nice too.And now it's over.

Merry Christmas!

We hope yours is a great one!!!

(these lucky girls get to open their Christmas pj's on Christmas eve.)

I really find it hard to believe that it's here, but it is. Tonight we had our scripture and talked about celebrating the birth of our Savior. The girls decided that for a birthday present to Him, they would not fight. I told them that they would have to stick to it, because it wouldn't be right to give a gift and then take it back. They decided to do it for a day. (I was thinking throughout the whole year; they thought that was a little long) Baby steps I suppose.

Anyway ... have a super great Christmas holiday!!

How Much did You Get?

The front yard ... the snow is piled high. It's really hard to believe we have this much. We haven't had this much while we've lived in this house. Until now!!

Backyard. Matt shoveled the walkway and threw the snow into the pool (yes, it's pathetic. It's been sitting on the deck since this summer. The girls use it as a fort sometimes) initially there wasn't that much, but the new snow covered up the shoveled walk (4 new inches last night) and made the pool look like a giant snow cone!

piled on the railing ... this is from last night.

I guess it will be a white Christmas here.

Literal Snow Cones

With root beer flavoring! (they thought it was delicious)

Baby It's Cold Outside

A Little Dance for your Enjoyment

Isn't she so funny?

S'no School

The girls kind of threw themselves outside this morning ... they were so excited for no school! (Brielle is wearing pajama pants, Tessa has on 2 different boots, and Kate is wearing capris with long socks ... ) They managed to make some snowballs and get good and cold. We came in and drank hot chocolate after our chilly fun.

Okay...

...no one likes to be pathetic. (here's a token picture)

Ice Age

It's cold. The temperature isn't supposed to be above 30 this week. (I know many of you are probably thinking sarcastic remarks about how that's not cold ... but for here it is.)

Brrr .... the girls went outside to play in the snow, and came back in 5 minutes later; they had gotten too cold.

It's so cold, in fact, that I didn't take any pictures of the snow play or the snow. (I know, you're probably thinking that's pathetic, but seriously. brrr.)

Seven Years of Good Luck

Linzi turns 7 tomorrow. It's hard to believe, but I suppose it's true. (really ... where does the time go?) I remember being pregnant with Linzi and having an almost 18 month old Brielle. I was excited! She was due a week before Christmas ... luckily, she was getting huge and the doctor induced me a week early.She was born December 13th, 2001. So sweet and big! (8 pounds 14 ounces)Linzi has been the most unique and interesting child. She has an extremely distinct personality, and she doesn't change for anything. I love that. I hope she doesn't lose that! (although, she's one of the most stubborn people I know, so I don't think she'll lose it.) When she was little ... people didn't think she could talk. At home though, she talked all the time, she just said everything in a whisper.

2004

Linzi's always had a "thing" for puppies. She would carry them around constantly when she was little, and she still would if I would let her.

2005

Linzi was our baby for a long time (she was almost 4 by the time Tess came), so she and I have always had a great bond. I love her laugh, and her insatiable need for "I love you's" and hugs. She is always so loving and helpful. (well, almost always)

2006

2007

When she was 2 (? I think) she swallowed lamp oil and was REALLY sick. That was scary. She was in the ICU and it wasn't good. I am thankful that she is fine now. At the time they told us they didn't know the lasting effects it would have (apparently the oil will never leave her lungs) ... so far she has been very healthy. A great blessing!!

2008 At this point, she is extremely camera shy, her favorite color is black, she STILL loves animals especially puppies (dalmatians when they're available), she likes to tease her sisters, she loves to read, she cannot sit still and is always bouncing here and there (sometimes that drives me nuts), she likes most "boy" toys, and would prefer to never have to wear pink (that is so signature Linzi) ... Linzi is the best daughter. She is fun and I am so happy she's in my family!!

Happy 7th Birthday Linzilu!!!