Christmas Morn

Brookie and Kaden got Tanner this cool helicopter toy.
He whispered to my sister the next day, "I know that mommy paid for this present for them, but that's okay."

Daddy-Daughter LOVE

Brookie was thrilled to get an Ariel unbrella.

Tanner and Brookie got Razor's for Christmas from Dad and I.
Kaden thought they were for him. We are so grateful that Tanner is so generous.

The only picture to document that I was home Christmas morning.

He sure loves dogs. It was so cute watching Kaden get so excited along with Tanner and Brookie this year. Last year he had no clue what was going on.

T'was the night before CHRISTmas

We started out the evening decorating cookies with the cousins.

Isaiah and Malachi very busy.

Samuel, Grandpa McMullin and Tanner happy as ever.

Brookie lov'in on her youngest cousin Eli.
She loves how he can't get away from her yet.

William, Sean, Kadster and I enjoying dinner.

The rest of the clan.

Cousin's loving every second spent together.
It's really a blessing they all get along so well.

I had to include this treasure.
Kaden was so happy to be in uncle Williams arms.

Here's our annual group shot.
Always worth it, though it takes forever to situate everyone.

The Eve was great; relaxing and making memories that last a life time.

Priceless!
xoxo

Tis the Season

I had the honors of helping with Tanner's school Christmas Party.
I savor the Q.T. I get to spend with him. I felt very loved. He made sure everyone knew I belonged to him!

Tanner did a great job decorating. I loved watching his little mind create his master piece.

Last year we started a new tradition of going to see the coolest Christmas Lights in Alta Loma. We live it up walking the neighborhoods buying hot chocolate, cookies and churros.

Sean had the honors of helping with the ward Christmas Party.

WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM!

Brook- a- lynn

Our sweet Lynn was born feminine.

I love watching my little dainty girl enjoy the things that I love too.

This wasn't the first time Brooklyn found my red lipstick that I wore on Halloween.

She came downstairs and said "Mom, don't be mad at me. I just want to be beautiful!"

Tanner and Brookie were playing in the rain. I made Brookie wear this snow outfit to stay dry.
She had taken it off and I threw it into the laundry room. Later that day, Tanner came in the room and really thought Brooklyn was bending backwards still wearing the outfit. He said, "Brooklyn, Brooklyn" and then we both started laughing.

While the cat is away...

While the cat (Mom) is away the mice (Dad & Tanner) go out to play. And so it was at Father & Sons. This took place months ago but our friend just got us these cool pics to us last month.

The Dad's had the kids climb a little until they figured out that the kids were having more fun having them swing them away from the wall to see how high they could get.

Tanner would get pretty high and you can tell he was lovin' every minute of it.

Definitely wouldn't have happened with me around!
Hence the name "Father's and Sons".

Sean teaching Tanner the tricks of the trade.

Tanner's first experience rock climbing (and definitely not his last).

. . . and of course Sean had to have his turn.

Being the first born, Sean started taking Tanner when he had just turned two. This year made the third memorable Father and Sons adventure. They are anxiously waiting for many more to come!!!

I feel my Savior's Love

Who sings 8 hours a week? And who sings about our beloved Savior Jesus Christ hours on end?

I had an amazing opportunity to be in the angel choir in the “Savior of the World” production. With Sean just being called to serve in the bishopbric months back, he was gone constantly. I wasn't quite sure how it would all work out and what effect it would have on our family with me being gone a lot too. It was confirmed to me in several ways that I was supposed to participate in the play regardless.

( I didn't get a picture of me, but I got these great pics of my friend Kim.)

My talented friend Kim played Mary. Many of you had the opportunity to hear her real Angelic voice. There are many jealous not so talented singers that would love to steal her voice like Ursula in the movie "The Little Mermaid". I couldn't do that to Kim, she's too sweet. I'm grateful I was able to listen to her beautiful voice time after time.

I'm humbled to have been a part of this sacred experience. Tanner and Brookie love singing the new songs with me.

I feel my Savior's love more strongly!

I know my Savior lives and loves me!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

My Simple Joys...

Mom do Kaden's kisses go away when they dry? Tanner asked this sweet question. He loves his Kaden it so rewarding to see them together.

Our front entry was invaded with ants one morning. "Mom they are not our pets. The queen of the ants told them to come in! " Tanner said. Tanner got the fly swatter and started smacking them. I told him to stop spreading the fly germs all over. He said, "Mom that is what might kill them." Gotta love how his little mind works.

Often Brookie asks if she can have a baby girl. She doesn't want me to have another baby. She actually wants to have the baby herself. Once again I reminded her that she needs to get married in the temple first. I also explained that if she were to have a baby now she wouldn't be able to play everyday and that she'd have to stay home all the time. She wasn't a bit bothered. She said, " That's okay Mom, I'll stay home and rock her all day." Man Daddy and I are in trouble.

I explained to Tanner that my dear friend Stacey is having twins. Tanner thinks it's so cool to have two babies at once. He suggested that I should also have twins. He then had the great idea that I should have 5 sets of twins! I assured him that Heavenly Father chooses who gets blessed with that many babies. Tanner is the best older brother to Brookie and Kadster. He is always hugging and kissing them, helping, teaching and protecting them. Daddy and I are so grateful for the righteous example he sets for the whole family.

Kaden has added the words cracker, apple, out, no-no, car, ba-ba, more and cookie to his vocabulary. It's just so adorable to see him sign too. His newest signs are: Dad, Mom ,more, eat, car, thank you, please, apple, banana, cookie, flower and tree.

Brookie use to want to marry Tanner. After being extremely disappointed, she tried to understand that she couldn't. She settled knowing that she could live close to Tanner and that their kids could play together all the time. Most recently Brookie stated with a humongous smile, "I'm going to marry Daddy in the temple." Before I could comment, Tanner took it upon himself to notify her that she can't marry Daddy either. Brookie started crying and was very upset. I assured her that we'd try to find someone special like her Daddy for her to marry. With all that said, I know that Daddy is doing more that a perfect job. I'm so grateful that he's such an amazing example of what Brookie will strive to find someday!

Brookie likes to take her sweet time to buckle her seat belt. I explained a while back how the belts protect us in case we get in an accident. And that if she's not buckled that she could fly through the window and die. We are still waiting on Brooklyn while she climbs around and finally gets buckled. I often start the car and slowly back-up into the driveway. She shouts, "I don't want to die! Wait, I'm not bucked yet!"

( 2009 Christmas Card Picture)

Hundley Ranch for Thanksgiving

I couldn't resist adding tons of pics....

On the way to the Hundley Ranch for Thanksgiving, we stopped off to visit the Mesa Temple.

It was beautifully decorated for the Christmas Season.

This was the second temple visit of the day in a little old town filled with lots of love and memories.
My Grandma and Grandpa Hundley grew up here in Pima, Arizona and they retired here until they passed away in Feb. and Mar. 06. I know they are celebrating in Heaven now that there is a new temple almost finished right here in Pima, Az.

It's tradition to go to Uncle Ken's ranch every other year for Thanksgiving. Uncle Ken and Aunt Gale are the only relatives we keep in contact with on my Dad's side of the family. My Sister Heather and Family were able to join the fun this year.
~We still missed having Holly's and Robby's Families with us.~
xoxo


Tanner shooting a gun for the first time with Daddy of course.



Tan and Beef on the famous "Land of the Lost" tire swing.
Years ago Uncle Ranch rigged this swing from a huge tree that is about 30 ft tall.


Tanner with some Mower Power! Ethan, Jordan, Jacob and Megan.

Brookie loving Tay-Tay time!
Brookie and Uncle Ken, aka Uncle Ranch.
I've read Barbie books with Brooklyn lately. They all include the Ken Barbie.
Each time she's say, "That's Uncle Ken right Mommy."
And any time she eats ranch dressing she say's, "Mommy that's funny it's like Uncle Ranch!"
It's obvious shes thinks Uncle Ranch is pretty cool.

Kadster on his first ride with big bro Tan. Kaden kept calling the horse a dog. That's ok he'll figure it out. Tanner and Kaden were both thrilled for Kaden's first ride.

Tan the big Man loving every second. Eli is Tanner's third cousin that is actually a real rancher and works with Uncle Ken.

Can't forget the go-cart.
We didn't catch a picture on the quad but Daddy took all three on a ride several times each day.

Families can be together Forever...
I'm so blessed to be sealed to my sweet family for all eternity!