Thanksgiving in St. George (okay, actually La Verkin)

Matt's mom and step dad, Shirl bought a house in St. George (actually La Verkin) and invited everyone down for Thanksgiving this year.

Thanksgiving day was beautiful and we were able to eat outside.

Later that afternoon we took Jensen, Oakley, and Trinity (a cousin) and went to do some geocaching.

1st cache

Found it! 2nd cache

The 3rd cache was missing but it was supposed to be at this park so the kids had fun playing.

4th cache

The next day we went to Zion's and did a couple of hikes.

Pay it Forward

Awhile back I commented on a Pay It Forward post on Noelle's blog. The first three people who commented got a homemade project from her. This is what she made for me. Isn't it awesome!!! I love it!

Young Women's in Excellence

For Young Women's in Excellence each of the young women were supposed to show something they had done toward their personal progress. Lexi did the cake decorating class for her value project in Individual Worth so she made these cute Christmas tree cupcakes and this cute cake. They turned out so awesome!

Time Out For Mom

My mom came up to help me with some projects I'd been wanting to do but couldn't get the motivation to do on my own. We spent the first day canning beans.

We did pinto and black beans.

While we were working on the beans she helped me make an apron. I haven't done much sewing and wasn't sure how to use the pattern and how to put it all together.

I think it turned out pretty cute.

The next day we headed up to Noelle's house to do some more beans and make freezer jam.

Noelle and Stacy stirring the jam.

We made strawberry/peach, peach/mango/strawberry, and peach/strawberry.

The next day my mom, Kristi, Stacy, Noelle, and I headed to Salt Lake for a women's conference called Time Out For Women. It was Friday evening and most the day Saturday. It was so fabulous. The speakers were outstanding, inspirational, and even really funny. Jenny Oaks Baker, a violinist, performed on Friday evening and Hillary Weeks, a singer, performed on Saturday. They were both so amazing. Their music was beautiful and the spirit was so strong. It really was a Time Out and I really enjoyed spending time with my mom and sisters. I'm so blessed to have such an awesome family. We missed Heather and Kera but hopefully we can do it again some time and they'll be able to come.

Me, mom, Noelle, Stacy, & Kristi

Field Trip to Clark Planetarium

At the first of Nov. I went with Jensen's class to the Clark Planetarium. It was fun to be with Jensen and her friends.

Me, Jensen, and her friend Emily.

The kids favorite activity of the day was riding the huge elevator.

I'm gonna email Santa!!!

Payson, Utah,
United States
Eeew! Who licked the screen!!

Dear Santa Claus,

My name is Oakley. I am a boy and I am already 6 years old!! I live in the great city of Payson. Of course, that's in Utah, United States, but I'll bet you knew that!! This year I've been so good that I should be the angel on top of the tree!

Santa Claus, some things I might like for Christmas this year are:
- Creepy Crawler maker;
- bike; and,
- leapster game.

Santa Claus, I almost forgot to say... Make sure you remember I'll be at my grandpa and grandma's house in Blanding, UT this year for Christmas. I can't wait until you come on Christmas Eve.

Love, Oakley

		#1, Rudolph Way North Pole, Canada HO HO HO
Payson, Utah United States	Monday, November 09, 2009

Hello Oakley!!

Thank you for sending me your email all the way from Payson! Did you know that Payson is one of Mrs. Claus' favourite places? The other thing she really likes is to read all your wonderful emails. As a matter of fact, she was just asking if I had heard from you lately!

Well call me the King of Jing-a-Ling, Oakley! I can't believe you are 6 years old already! Are you getting excited about Christmas? Everyone at the North Pole sure is! Are you looking forward to Santa Claus visiting your home? Rudolph said he's really excited about visiting your home! I also hear you've been a REALLY REALLY good boy. (Of course, you won't mind if I do a little checking, will you? HO!! Ho!! ho!!).

Let's see what you put in your letter for Christmas wishes: 1. creepy crawler maker; 2. bike and; 3. leapster game. HO!! Ho!! ho!! I see there's a bike on your list. That's a great present! Of course, you'll have to promise me you'll always wear a helmet and follow all the safety rules. Now one thing about a bike is that its very hard to fit a lot of them into the sleigh. So, I hope you won't be too disappointed if we can't fit enough of them in for everyone this Christmas.

Oh yes, before I forget Oakley, the elves really want you to visit my new blog! It is called Santa Claus' Christmas Blog. My blog is all about Christmas, life at the North Pole, and me, Santa Claus ! You can even write messages to me and see what others have written. I can hardly wait to see what you write!

Well, it's time for Santa Claus to go do his chimney exercises. Up! Down! Up! Down! Have to be in tip-top shape for the big night! Take care Oakley and don't forget to come back and visit me here at EmailSanta.com on Christmas Eve!! And remember... only 46 more sleeps until Christmas!!

Love You Forever and Always,

P.S. The reindeer say "Thank You!" for the nice treats! I hope you don't mind, but I had a bit of carrot and celery too. After all, even Santa eats his veggies!

Payson, Utah,
United States

Eeew! Who licked the screen!!

Dear Santa Claus,

My name is Addison. I am a girl and I am already 4 years old!! I live in the great city of Payson. Of course, that's in Utah, United States, but I'll bet you knew that!! This year I've been so good that my halo is just a teensy weensy bit crooked!

Santa Claus, some things I might like for Christmas this year are:
- Littlest Pet Shop;
- scooter; and,
- two babies.

Santa Claus, I almost forgot to say... I'm so excited for Christmas! I can't wait for you to visit. Don't forget, I'll be in Blanding, UT this year at my grandpa and grandma's house for Christmas.

Love, Addison

Rudolph licked this stamp personally! Of course, he made a mess of the screen! Silly Rudolph!

#1, Rudolph Way
North Pole, Canada
HO HO HO


Payson, Utah
United States


Monday, November 09, 2009


Dear Addison,

Thank you for sending me your email all the way from Payson! The Net sure is wonderful because now I never feel lonely all the way up at the North Pole. I can get those wonderful Christmas emails any time of the year now, but it's always special when I get one from you, Addison.

Here's a picture of Santa just for you Addison!Well tickle my whiskers, Addison! Are you really and truly 4 years old already?!? I'll bet you're really excited about Christmas! Everyone at the North Pole sure is! Are you looking forward to Santa Claus visiting your home? Rudolph said he's really excited about visiting your home! I also hear you've been a really good girl. (Of course, you won't mind if I do a little checking, will you? HO!! Ho!! ho!!).

Let's see what you put in your letter for Christmas wishes: 1. littlest pet shop; 2. scooter and; 3. two babies. May all your Christmas wishes come true!HO!! Ho!! ho!! I see there's a scooter on your list. That's a great present! Of course, you'll have to promise me you'll always wear a helmet and follow all the safety rules. Now one thing about a scooter is that its very hard to fit a lot of them into the sleigh. So, I hope you won't be too disappointed if we can't fit enough of them in for everyone this Christmas.

Oh yes, before I forget Addison, the elves really want you to visit my new blog! It is called Santa Claus' Christmas Blog. My blog is all about Christmas, life at the North Pole, and me, Santa Claus ! You can even write messages to me and see what others have written. I can hardly wait to see what you write!

Oh no! Rudolph just sneezed and now there's Nose Wax everywhere. I'll see you soon but now I have to go clean off my computer because it's glowing like Rudolph's nose! Take care Addison and don't forget to come back and visit me here at EmailSanta.com on Christmas Eve!! And remember... only 46 more sleeps until Christmas!!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas,
Santa Claus

Thank you Addison for thinking of me!

P.S. YUM! Those sure were some tasty goodies you sent me in your letter Addison! I hope its okay that I shared them with everyone here. You should see how fast they disappeared! Oh, wait! You CAN! HO!! Ho!! ho!!


Have a holly jolly Christmas Addison!

Halloween

Halloween came and went again this year and as usual we ended up with way too much candy. Of course I ate way more than I should have.

Lion Addi with her preschool teachers

Addi playing the computer at preschool

Oakley decorating a Halloween cookie at his class party

Shaggy Dog Oakley playing hoops

Hippie Jensen at her class party

Shaggy Dog Oakley and Lion Addi

My cute kids Addi, Lexi, Jensen, and Oakley

Crazy Hair Day

Oakley and Jensen on Crazy Hair Day