Can I Brag??

Yes, of course I can!  It's my blog!
This past week, Aaron came home with ANOTHER award.  This guy is making a difference in his company.  I don't think he has hit the one year mark quite yet, but already is accomplishing great things.  Around Christmas time, Aaron received 2 awards - which was quite unusual for the company.  He received the "Shining Star" award, given to 1st year employees who have excelled and are making a difference in the company.  He also received the "Moving Mountains" award - given to those who have done good things and have helped the company to progress and succeed.  WOW!
THEN
Aaron came home with the "Employee of the Quarter".  As you can tell - Aaron loves his job and he is quite good at what he does.  All that computer knowledge is really paying off.  Many of us laughed at times at Aaron's abilities and tinkerings with the computer - but now - we are smiling at all his accomplishments!
Just goes to show you that there is a niche for everyone- and everyone can succeed at what he/she enjoys doing.  I'm just glad he will still help me when my computer is not playing well with the operator (me!)

CONGRATS to Aaron - as a Mom - I'm very proud of his accomplishments and desire to do his best.

I Want a Birthday Present Like THAT!!

Jacque gave Aly the best present for her birthday LAST year.  After all, Aly turned 18 and they needed a way to celebrate.  It was a gift certificate for SKY-DIVING!!  However, life flies by, summertime ends and still no time to schedule this amazing event.  All of a sudden it's Christmas time and Jacque realizes that the gift is a TAD expensive, so she gives another gift certificate - this time with a date and time attached - and the waiting begins.  Friday, January 7th is the day!!  The day comes, and I decide that I want to go and be a spectator and also make sure they land safely - (yes, I know I can't do much from the ground!!), but I can always treat two very brave daughters to lunch AFTER they have jumped.  We traveled to Eloy, where they were instructed for about 5 minutes, headed out to the plane, and had the jump of a lifetime.  They are saving their pennies for the "next" jump!

Here is ALY'S Experience:

This is JACQUE'S Experience:

The pictures in the sky came from the professional that jumped with each of the girls.  My camera caught them both just as they landed.  Yes, they would both DEFINITELY do it again....crazy, crazy girls!!

Middle of January - Oh My!!

So, I guess I missed the first blog of the year - being goal related and inspiring as such.  My life was wrapped up in Primary - in fact, that is what consumes alot of my time - but one goal is to be more organized so that I can keep on top of all the wonderful things I enjoy doing - including a blog here and there.

 The first weekend of January found Jacque planning a Snow-boarding Retreat up to Brian Head (near Cedar City in Utah).  About 28 young adults ended up enjoying an amazing time with freezing cold weather and snow coming down.  She didn't really plan the whole thing, but she planned the food for six, took the truck and luckily, did NOT end up with anything broken or at the hospital.  A tender mercy right at the first of the year!!  Her group included Kade, and friends - Lexi, Taylor, Jesse, and Brett.

Christmas Day

Christmas morning is very quiet at our house.  No little ones knocking at our door, so anxious to see what "Santa brought".  So, when Brad and I first get up, we walk around the house, making sure everything is in place, enjoy a few moments of solitude, and then WE start knocking on doors.   I remember when it would be 6:00 a.m......then 7:00 a.m.....and now, it's 8:00 a.m.  That allowed me a good 5 1/2 hours sleep!  Aaron held to the tradition of waking his sisters up.....they were very sleepy!

We waited for Tyler, Jenny, and Jade and then opened our stockings and presents.  Our tradition consists of sitting around the Christmas tree and waiting while Dad passes out the presents.  We took a little longer this time - I think it was because we had to try out all of Jade's toys!

Afterwards, we all head to Grammy and Grampy's for a wonderful breakfast of chorizo and blueberry pancakes and all the trimmings!  Everyone comes in their pj's and no make-up is allowed!  Usually, each kids brings a favorite gift they received at home to share with everyone else.  It's so much fun to see all the gadgets!

Then the opening of presents around the family Christmas tree.  What a spectacular sight!

  Grampy sits his chair right next to the tree and Chloe helped him gather the presents that were hard for him to reach.  I love watching the expressions of our family as they open presents that have carefully been crafted for them.

Opening a book created by LaNae which had their temple marriage pictures, with all of their girls and their temple marriage pictures also. 

a traditional hand-crafted calendar by Pam

Mexican bracelets brought back by Aly

A history compiled by Pam

While opening presents, the littlest are NOT lacking for love and attention!!  Each waits patiently while others open presents until their name is called - and then a smile lights up their face!

  Afterwards, we all head back to our homes for some much needed rest, and I'm sure a clean-up.  Later on in the afternoon, we are all ready for the Christmas meal.  Much like Thanksgiving, it doesn't lack for wonderful, tasty dishes.  Grammy and Grampy always make a beautiful table and we enjoy each other's company and play games...well....most of us do!

Christmas was wonderful this year.  Our family was together and we spent time creating new memories.  It's a time to emulate the love of our Savior, remember His life, and recommit to emulating His teachings in our own lives.  His tender mercies have been too numerous to count, but as we live each day, giving thanks for our very lives, we can show our love to Him.  That is something I strive to do each day!