Ice Fishing

I know, I know, I need to post about Christmas...and I will when I collect all the pictures I need. But for now here's what we did yesterday. Carl, of course, took a day to go ice fishing and with his parents in town they went too. Then his brother and a buddy were in on that action too. So I decided to join in on the fun...ok, really...the truth,

Kya got a great little "Barbie" fishing pole from Gma L in Denver and she was dying to use it, so we all went. I even got my parents out there for a bit...they wanted to experience a little of what Carl is always ranting and raving about. Big family outing.

My mom and dad walking in the sunset. So sweet.

Zander had to "warm up" to this outing. He is gonna have to get used to this, his sister is already "hooked". I know, I can be so funny sometimes. Hahaha

What can I say...the girl loves her daddy.

Grandma's, mommy and chillins went for a walk around some of the lake. Ok, I walked, and pulled the kids along, which they both loved.

Zander wanted to drag his hand in the snow...crazy kid.

Mom and Kya posing before a sled run down the hill.

That's right...this is where I had the most fun. Sorry Carl, fishing bores me a bit.

We conquered the hill.

What a goofy bunch.

Kya was loving that she got to use her "Barbie" fishing pole "for real".

We get there and Kya says, "which hole is mine".

They are so cute....I know, they both have great "genes".

Merry Christmas!

Since I know I won't be able to get around to posting until after the holidays, I figured I would post a few of the kids from this morning. I told Kya we were going to put on our new Christmas dresses and clothes for church. We get to church and she said, "Are we at Christmas now?" She is so excited. She asked if would could make cookies and milk for Santa...and that is what we are doing today...aside from watching a ton of Christmas movies. Its a down day and we are going to play.

Weeks' have got some awesome moves

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Christmas Kickoff!

With all the business stuff, we have hardly had the time or energy to enjoy the upcoming holidays. Well...I was not about to let that happen. I love this time of year, and considering that we actually had a great day of snowfall...It really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

So, putting all our "jobs" aside, we played this weekend. Our Christmas kickoff began with spending the afternoon yesterday going to the Festival of Trees. Get some good ideas for decorating our own tree. Then we came home and prepped the house for some decorating. With this being Zander's first Christmas...and he being the little get-around-train, quite the curious little guy, we are going to have to get creative with our decor. For instance, the downstairs tree is going to have to be my three little ones up on the table. Upstairs...I am just going to have to watch him closely. Little guy would pull it over on himself if I let him. He just always wants to help and see all the fun new things around.

Upstairs tree.

A modge podge of some of my trees...only did one this year. Fewer trees=less telling Zander "don't touch".

(snowman tree, vintage popcorn tree...without the apples, blue and silver balls, musical tree with guitar sheet music)

Carl asked me to make out a "Dear Santa" list. So I did, and Kya wanted in on that action. Here is her "Deer Santa" letter. She said she didn't want to write letters or numbers, just pictures. Carl and I were rolling on the floor laughing about this for a good chunk of the afternoon.

(Its a reinDEER and SANTA...that's what she thinks about when she hears "Dear Santa"...she must be a hunter's daughter)

Our Christmas kickoff included.....

1 happy little charmer...

...2 very excited girls...

...3 glasses of eggnog and 4 donuts...

...5 foot 9 mommy...
...6 foot 5 daddy, to help reach the tall stars...

...ok I am stuck on seven, but you get the idea. Zander really wanted to help, or play and make a mess, either way, he was getting into the spirit too.

Showing off her decorated Family Trees. Still need to get our ornament for 2009...maybe a baby and some weights.

Daddy loves this part the best with our kids....cuddles rule.

Downstairs trees...all the family ornaments we collect over the years.

Kya made the gingerbread man at the Festival of Trees.

Our kickoff also included a little movie watching. As you can see, Z-buddy is really into this movie stuff.

So is Kya...she loves the Christmas cartoons.

...and to all a goodnight.

Catch up and then run!

So life is pretty busy now...but I am going to take just a few minutes to blog. Considering that we just got home from our well needed Thanksgiving getaway, I thought it only appropriate to start this post off with some "gratitude journaling".

I am constantly reminded of my many blessings, when each day I get to take care of the two most beautiful children in the world. Carl and I were alone for a week before Thanksgiving. The kids spent the week with Gma and Gpa Weeks in Grace so we could get things going at the gym. I was so busy I really didn't think about how much I missed them, until on Sunday when Carl and I had nothing to do but rest...we missed them. Started watching videos and looking at pictures of the kids. That's when it hit us...we are so blessed.

Naturally I would be grateful for two beautiful, healthy and extremely well behaved children...because I truly am grateful. But even beyond that, I am grateful for the family that we have gained from both our children. Carl and I have amazing parents that have been a huge support for us. Helping us move, giving us a temporary home, taking care of the kids during our crazy life changes and praying for us during our times in need and our desires for a family.

In addition to our parents and siblings, we have added five other families to the mix. Five amazing and loving families. Families that loved their little ones and then love us unconditionally with trust. We cherish that everyone loves our children so much that they want to be a part of their lives....that is awesome. We just feel so selfish to have so many families, but we adore the relationships we have developed with everyone.

With much work behind us and tons of work ahead of us...its hard to sit down and really enjoy the little things. This weekend we did just that....sat down and enjoyed our little ones. It was a joy to be with the kids again and to see family. We spent Thanksgiving at Carl's parents (picked up the kids) and then even got to see some more family in Blackfoot. Truly saddened to have missed our Hailey and Denver families, but hope to see you all sometime soon. It has also been a joy and a blessing to be so near to our Twin family.

At one point in our lives (Carl and I); we were blessed to have each other and we never imagined that in a matter of just 3 years, 3 months and 28 days we have managed to go from just the 2 of us and add 2 kids, 14 grandparents, 6 birthparents (including spouses), and way too many to count...siblings, adopted siblings, cousins and adopted cousins, a few more great grandparents and a partridge in a pear tree.

LOVE: ITS WHAT MAKES A FAMILY

Now I gotta run and be busy.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

I am so excited about this. Carl and I moved here to Twin Falls for a couple reasons. Family was a big draw here, but we also wanted...Ok really its me...I have always wanted to own a fitness center. I have a big passion for fitness, I think it is so important to stay active in your life and so here we are. We are so close to opening our gym, I can taste it.

So BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:

MEMBERSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE!

We are starting memberships sales on 16 November 2009 at our great location in Lynwood Shopping Center (right next to Sakura, on Blue Lakes).

Come in and see us...I will be there to greet you and take care of your fitness needs.

Also, in light (I mean dark), of the "New Moon" release...

(Ya baby)

Anytime Fitness is having a Membership Kickoff Event on the 19th of November 2009. The first 10 people to come in and sign up for memberships, are getting tickets to the New Moon release (here in Twin Falls)....wish I could send you to LA.

We will also have a couple drawings for fun prizes including more tickets to New Moon.

Ok, so here's what you do: Come down to the gym (Lynwood on Blue Lakes), at 9:00 am until 10 pm...just in time to get ready for the premiere (with our 24/7 access, we never sleep either) and be one of the first 10 people to get a chance to get those tickets. Come sink your teeth into fitness and sign up for your health....we love good blood.

Ladies and Gents...He's 30

Yesterday was Carl's birthday. That's right, the boy is now a man of 30 years. He's is finally catching up to me...at least until I hit 40 and he's still 38. Punk!

So I started giving him his gifts about a month ago. Since it's the BIG 30...it's supposed to be this big bash party, right? Well...my idea of celebrating the big 30 is HUGE. But, I couldn't do what I really wanted to for him. I wanted to send him on an Alaskan Hunt/Fishing trip. That wasn't going to happen this year, so the next best thing....a fishing trip to Washington. They have good salmon fishing up there, right? His good friend took him for a weekend on a great fishing trip. I benefited because they brought home some good fish. Yum!

But this post isn't about me....Its all about Carl!

Since his birthday was on a Sunday, there wasn't much we could do...he just wanted to relax and spend the day with his family, which we did. Went to church, watched movie, his Cowboys even played (and won) on his birthday. Made him Tacos (one of his favorites) for dinner, and then brownies and ice cream for dessert (which Kya loved making with me, she's quite the little helper). A candle in dessert, a little singing, and we had a great day. Carl was grateful that I didn't throw him a HUGE Bash Party...like I wanted. He said he enjoyed the relaxing day with his family.

So on Saturday, he wanted to go coyote hunting, naturally. Of course this was granted to the hardworking birthday boy. But the catch....he wanted me to go with. Again, wish granted. Can you believe it, I went coyote hunting. This wasn't my first dog hunt, I have been before.....like 4 years ago, but since that was his wish...I endured. It was actually really nice to spend the morning with my hubby (thanks Robin), we enjoyed a sunrise...behind the clouds. Peace and quiet, and even a shooting or two. We didn't have much luck calling any dogs in, because it was a full moon the night before. (I know, I talk like I know what I am talking about...Carl told me that one. The coyotes would have been out all night eating, in the full moon, and didn't need to come out in the morning). But I know Carl loved being out there, and I took advantage with the camera. The desert isn't much of an appealing scenery, but I got a few fun shots (with the camera). I did shoot at a rock, Carl wanted me to practice....did pretty good, if I do say so myself.

Well, Happy Birthday, to the fine lookin' man in my life....sorry Zander, daddy is #1 man, but you following closely behind. Love you Carl, thanks for all that you are for me!

I had to keep the hunt a little girly, with my awesome pink and gray socks.

What a stud!

Saw some bones....sweet!





Can you spot the hunter in this picture? He's good!