Great surprise

Christmas came early today when Kylee and Brody surprised us by coming home for Christmas 5 days earlier than anticipated! Me, Mike, Jess, Jake and Cam had been on a mini-family reunion overnighter with Ann, Carol and their families at Sherwood Hills in Sardine Canyon. We all had a great time, and we loved being together and enjoying good food, company and fun and entertaining games. When we got home today (with the Bundy's along who came to spend the rest of the day with us- or so we thought- turns out they were in on the surprise so wanted to come and see the Hatch's and our reaction) Kylee and Brody were in the house waiting for us. We were expecting the house to look like we left it the night before even though we knew our friends doing the boys paper routes for us would have been in the house that morning folding and preparing the papers- but the house wasn't as we left it- several lights were on, there was music playing, a candle was lit, and several nutcrackers were sitting in the middle of the living room floor. We all stood in the entry of the house puzzling over who would have done that--- was it our friends playing a joke on us after they'd done the route? Just then Kylee comes running down the hall yelling surprise! It was so unexpected and fun, that of course I was a bit verclempt and totally speechless! It was so exciting, and now it feels like Christmas is truly here.

The most wonderful time of the year

I LOVE Christmas time! Even though beginning right after Thanksgiving, I'm unable to sleep in past 4-5:00 because of the business and anticipation, I wouldn't change a thing. It's so fun deciding on, and shopping for the kids. It's fulfilling to do things for others. It's so festive to look at Christmas lights and the decorations in our home. It's great to spend more time with family and just relax and enjoy the season. And, it's great to watch snow falling outside and appreciate the beauty of nature. It snowed most of the day yesterday and the temperature was a balmy 33 degrees (after a week of below zero, it felt like spring) so Mike and I went on a lovely 2 mile walk last night. It was so fun to wade through snow- as most people hadn't shoveled the 6-8" yet. Then this morning, I helped the boys with their routes (why not, I'm awake anyway. . .) and again was struck by the beauty of the season. If you don't live in a climate where you enjoy snow, I'm sad for you. At least for the month of December (after that you can be sad for me) when it's such a fitting scene for the Christmas season. To those of you who are used to snow in winter and don't have it now and are missing it greatly, don't worry- you'll be home soon-and we have lots waiting for you to enjoy :)



I wish I could say this is my new Christmas tree, but alas, it is my friend's Lorene. Isn't it divine?

Thanksgiving in Arizona

We had the most amazingly fun trip to Glendale and Mesa for Thanksgiving this year. I'm so glad we were able to go and do so many fun things! The the best part about the trip was seeing Kylee and Brody after missing them for three long months. Ok, Ok, it was fun to see Sal the dog too. We were on the go the entire time for the three days we were there. Here are some of the highlights:

We did an awesome 3 mile hike Thanksgiving morning. The weather was divine, the scenery different than what I'm used to when hiking (but still pretty) and the company was the best.

The girls and I prepared a tasty Thanksgiving feast in an amazingly short amount of time while the boys watched "Up." It was great to have Mom join us for dinner and a fun card game she taught us. We enjoyed seeing Jord and Jake and their darling girls that evening for some pie and ice-cream in their lovely home.



We had fun playing rounds of Scum and Wyoming Rummy our two nights in Glendale.The girls and I had a great time going shopping on Black Friday for 4 hours. The boys had a great time sleeping in, then going to check out the Cardinal's stadium. I'm amazing that all the stuff I bought was able to fit in the car for the drive home. But when you have a seriously amazing packer and organizer like Jessica with you, it can be done!

It was a real treat on Friday to enjoy another delicious Thanksgiving dinner- this time at Mom and David's, joined by the Griffins and Robertsons. We had a nice time visiting, eating, enjoying the awesome weather, and playing shuffleboard.





What trip to Mesa would be complete without a trip to Rosa's Mexican Restaurant? The food is incredible, and the atmosphere (especially at Christmas with all their fun decorations) is so fun. We loved the matinee afterwards of "The Blind Side." True stories about football players? It doesn't get any better for our family!

We loved being able to stay for two nights at the Skeens Winter Quarters. I'm sad beyond words that they're selling it, and this will be the last time we'll all stay there.

We loved spending some time with the Hoffmans. It was so exciting watching BYU pull out a win against the Utes with them, then just as fun for the girls (me and Lorene) to be victorious against the boys in two matches of ROOK! Woo hoo! The boys have all sorts of excuses, but that's just what they are. Better luck next time guys. It was so cool to see the next generation getting into the game just like their parents. I'm so glad we were able to spend time with our great friends, and only wished we could have seen the Frost's this trip as well- but they were out of town for the holiday.




It was sad to say goodbye to the Hatch's on Sunday- and incidentally Brody's 25th birthday- but I'm happy knowing this goodbye is only for a month- then they'll be home for 10 days for Christmas.

Thanks to everyone for their hospitality and for all the fun times. We'll never forget Thanksgiving 2009!

recent goings on

Quite a bit has been going on lately that I haven't written about. About a month ago, we did some rearranging in the family room to make room for a new flat screen TV, and we're absolutely loving it! Every time we watch something, one of us will comment on how amazing the picture is. It's been so great to have it- (thanks again for the hook-up Adam!) I wanted more room in the family room for more people to watch TV, so we moved a lovesac in from the game room, moved this bookcase out, and scooted the ping-pong table closer to the wall.


Since purchasing a cute Mazda Protege from my cousins daughter Jenny for the kids (they're loving it Jenny and are treating it well) we were able to sell the van since we didn't need 4 automobiles. Well, it would been nice for each kids to have their own car, but that's not in the cards. We were fortunate to unload the lemon in just two days for a whopping $2000 (since it needs a new transmission for $2000). Good riddance! Mike had a day he'll never forget getting it ready to be transferred to the new owners. Ask him to tell the story next time you talk to him.

Last weekend I spent one of my favorite weekends of the year going on my traditional Christmas shopping weekend in Park City and SLC w/ Freda, Teresa, Stacie and Jessica W. We had a great time shopping til we dropped both days. Thanks girls for a great time, and thanks Freda for the meals and motel. I loved every minute of the two days!

After four weeks in his cast, Jake finally got it off. . . for 10 minutes, then it was back on for another 4 weeks! It's healing fine, but it's not quite there. He didn't like the feeling of it off, and was happy to get it back on- if you can imagine. This time he's sporting a snazzy red one- (and this one can get wet- so he can shower now instead of bathe).
Cam's been busy playing Jr. Grizz with practices twice a week, and games every Saturday morning. I have missed Jake being able to keep busy with sports practices, and hope he never breaks a bone again!
This week, Ann and I journeyed to Rupert to visit Janet and Dave and help Janet with some painting in her house. We three girls worked hard and fast painting her loft, upstairs hallway, and sewing room- all in about an 8 hour period of time. It was fun to be there, visit, work, and see Tina, Daelynn and McKynlee. I wish I could have seen all the Smiths---hopefully next time.

Today I drove to Ogden with Jessica, Carol, Taylor, Madi and cute little Makayla. We met up with Sara, Lindsey, Jamie, and Rachel to see the movie New Moon. There was a lot of hype about it, and frankly, I'd like to see as much for Harry Potter. There is no comparison between the two, and I'll leave it at that. I will say Jacob Black was easy on the eyes. We brought Emma home with us so her parents could have some quiet time to get some packing done for their move next weekend. We're looking forward to them coming tomorrow to pick her up and join us for Sunday dinner. What I'm not looking forward to is decorating for Christmas. I want to do it before we leave for Arizona on Wednesday- otherwise it won't get done until the first weekend in December, and that's just not long enough to enjoy all the hard work! We are greatly anticipating going to Glendale and Mesa to see Kylee, Brody, the Ericksons and Griffins, and our friends the Hoffmans and hopefully the Frosts. My next post will be all about our fun three days in the sun.

Tonight I put up these vinyl letters in the front room. What do you think?

Oh, and one more thing- I'd like to give a shout out to my wonderful husband who spent a lot of time today working off his honey-do list- which included scrubbing hard water stains off the outside water and ice compartment on the fridge, and for cleaning our shower. He's the best, because anything I ask him to do, he'll do, and oftentimes, he'll do things around the house w/o me even asking-he makes our bed every morning, keeps his clothes picked up, does dishes- not to mention all the yard work (there's even more, but I don't want to embarrass him, and I don't want anyone who has a husband who isn't so awesome to get too jealous. . .)

Jake is 16!!!

Jake had a great day turning 16 yesterday. I can't even believe my boy is that old already. He started off the day sleeping in while I did his paper route. I got up early enough to get these signs up in the front yard for him to see when he left for school- after eating a delicious breakfast of german pancakes, bacon, scrambled eggs, and hash browns (I got up real early. . .)

During his lunch break, I picked him up with Panda Express, then we went to the DMV for his drivers license. He was worried that he wouldn't be able to get it because of his broken arm, but happily, nothing was said about it. After school, he went to Charlies for a shake with his friend Corey, then they relaxed and watched TV (on our new flat screen) for several hours at our house.
Grandma and Grandpa Weyerts took us all out for dinner at Logans new Texas Roadhouse. Yum! We all ate too much and most had to bring food home. Jake actually consented to ride on the saddle while some employees sang happy birthday, then we all gave him a hearty "Yee Haw". All that for only a small bowl of ice-cream. Way to be a good sport Jake!
We came home for presents, a fun dice game, and chocolate silk pie from Village Inn.


Even though he's the mature age of 16, he continues to act a bit goofy. But that's a big reason why he's so fun to be around. He can always make me smile.

He got to drive Mike's truck alone to the restaurant and thought it was pretty cool. He and Cam drove home together, and thought it would be funny (not) to take an extra 10 minutes and make us think they'd gotten stopped for speeding or something. He has a lot to learn.

Happy Birthday sweet Jake-e-boy. You bring a lot of light and laughter into our home, and I love you so much.

Fall/broken arm/new car

I LOVE fall. It is my favorite season. I love the cooler weather, the changing leaves, football season, going on hikes and walks, and fall decorations. I took these pictures while walking around our neighborhood with Cam on Sunday. I love the flaming red bush that's green all summer, then suddenly turns this beautiful color. I love seeing the changing leaves on the mountain, and walking through crunchy leaves on the sidewalk. Those of you who don't get to enjoy the changing of seasons, I'm so sad for you! For those of you who have in the past, and don't now, you know what you're missing, and that may even be sadder!









Jake broke his right arm last Tuesday during football practice. He was in a splinter cast for a week, then this Tuesday he got a permanent cast on that he'll wear for 4 weeks, then get a different one on for a few more weeks. His doctor said can't participate in any sports until the spring, so there goes swim team (and after he worked so hard on a recent fundraiser!). He'll be really bored w/o something to do everyday after school. There were only two more football games left, so he didn't miss out on much there, which was good. He's doing good with using his left hand more, and can still write with his right hand well enough. He can't ride his bike while delivering the newspapers on his paper route, but can walk and deliver if someone folds them beforehand for him.

If you will recall, a few months ago I did a post about our van and how much trouble we've had with it over the past few years. When we realized the transmission was going out, we absolutely refused to put another penny into repairs, so last Saturday, we spent a good part of the day searching for a new automobile. I'm excited to announce after 16 years of being a van driver, I'm graduating to being a mid-size SUV driver! I'm so excited! We bought a '08 Honda Pilot, and I'm just loving it. We're still searching for a car to replace the one Jessica totalled a month ago, but at least we have three cars now for the three (soon to be four) drivers in the family. Anyone wanna buy a '01 Chrysler town and country w/ a bad transmission?

Although I just did a new post yesterday (and I like to wait at least a week inbetween to milk all the comments possible) I had to do this one now so any of you mom's with kids to dress for Halloween who already haven't got costumes all figured out, can get some ideas from me! Most of these costumes were lovingly made by me (with many ideas coming from Family Fun Magazine) but a few were borrowed. All awesome and gory makeup is compliments of Stacie. Doesn't she do great work? I loved coming up with fun and original costumes for many, many years, but sure am glad I don't have to anymore!

I think this was my favorite year. I really outdid myself---


Although this baby/old lady costume sure got a lot of comments. Many of the more time consuming costumes got used on more than one child, so that made it worth the time to make them.

What I loved best about the nerds is that they acted in character while going trick-or-treating. It was hilarious. Several people in my neighborhood commented how funny the boys were (esp Jake).



Another personal favorite. His football pads sure came in handy!

I have a picture like this in our guest room, and many people ask me what happened to Cam!

I love that these costumes (skunk and skeleton) were worn by both boys. So clever and fun to make!





Whew! It makes me tired just thinking of all the time I've put into creating and making costumes over the years. Which was your favorite? Stacie asked me tonight if I'm going to dress up for Halloween, and I quickly replied that my creative days are over- I don't really want to think about another costume for quite awhile!

Let me know if any of you use any of my ideas on your kids, and how they turned out! Happy Halloween!