House stuff

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Dishes in the strainer, Magnetic numbers on the fridge, and Clara deciding which to drink; milk or water.

Happy Valentines Day!

Sorry I am not there with you Kelly! Look in the bottom drawer of the dresser in the hall.

Playgroup

Clara and I went to a cute playgroup the other day. Brittany had lots of fun toys and snacks. We did a cute little rhyming activity. I had a tricky time in keeping Clara from straying to far away. In the first photo you can see her with a yellow broom in the distance. We are excited to do it more often!

Disneyland

Because we think we will never have the opportunity again we bought season passes! We had a great time yesterday. It was 82* in January. Crazy!

YW Volleyball Practice

The girls have a tournament coming up so last week and this week we are giving them time to brush up on their skills. They are such a cute bunch of girls.

Oak Leaf

Silos

Sledding

While up in Idaho we went sledding at Grandma Clara's house. Clara loved it the first time but got gonged in the head by the camera. After which she had no patience for it. I however, felt like the kids in Snow Treasure. I want to go every year! Next time hopefully we can get the 4 wheelers out.

Christmas Morning

It was such a great Christmas. We talked to James and watched the children play with the toys. Plus, it snowed! Every year Mom makes these amazing turnovers from scratch. They are a lot of work. I am grateful to my parents for the wonderful example of work and making holidays an elegantly beautiful and happy experience for all. I want to be just like them.

Christmas Eve

All us mom's attempted to get a good Grandchild photo but it was thwarted by low lighting conditions and Clara. She was only happy being held. Lauren and I made some more bag lanterns to put on my mom's window box and front steps. They looked great. Clara was Mary for the family Nativity. We rang the bells and sang some more. We ate soup in bread bowls and had Bree. I love Bree!

Good Hours           I had for my winter evening walk— No one at all with whom to talk, But I had the cottages in a row Up to their shining eyes in snow.   And I thought I had the folk within: I had the sound of a violin; I had a glimpse through curtain laces Of youthful forms and youthful faces.   I had such company outward bound. I went till there were no cottages found. I turned and repented, but coming back I saw no window but that was black.   Over the snow my creaking feet Disturbed the slumbering village street Like profanation, by your leave, At ten o'clock of a winter eve.   Robert Frost

Family Home Evening

The Monday before Christmas my parents have the tradition of going caroling with some of friends around the neighborhood. After we got back we snacked on hot chocolate and donuts and then we play with my Dad's incredible Lionel train. Then we ring bells and sing some more! It is so fun.

Madison Georgia

My sister's new baby girl. She is a sweetheart. She looks just like her sister Shawna. We are so glad for their cute little family.

Holly Look-a-Like

It is actually Oregon grape or the Latin name is Mahonia. It fools me every time.

Chirstmas Projects

I love Christmas. Robin and I have had fun making snowflakes, popcorn balls, and popcorn garlands! Kelly and I made cheese ball and he requested brownies. I love smelling the tangerines with cloves poked in them.

Afire

Earth's crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God; but only he who sees takes of his shoes.
~Elizabeth Barrett Browning

These are just some of the leaves that I picked up this morning on our walk with Robyn and Laura. This series also goes with this post.

Spillway and Parking Garage

I think my mom would say"Oh Sally, that is the Jensen coming out."

Three Seasons

I thought this photo was funny thinking of the different seasons. A beautiful fall tree, the white Christmas tree and the the palm tree all out on the yard. Only in Las Vegas.

Hoover Dam

It was so fun to visit it again. I am always impressed with what the builders accomplished. They are currently building a bridge that will be incredible. 112 deaths were associated with the building of the dam and I was sad to hear that someone also just died working on the bridge. They say that the concrete in the dam is still setting! After we came back for Mediterranean pizza. It was hot but it was really good and very colorful.

Blessing

Ben blessed his new baby Eli this weekend. It was so fun to see there family! We love them and wish we could see them more often.

Goldfish

Yesterday during lunch I gave Clara some crackers and then looked away to get her sandwich ready. I look back and they were all in her water bottle. I can see the appeal of putting them in there. It is fun to drop things, they float and they look cute but it makes bad tasting, floaty water.

Christmas lights

Clara loves Christmas decorations. She saw Kassie's and literally oohed and ahhed. She did the same thing when I put up ours. My friend Annie had a photo like this on her blog and I thought I would try it. I think it is a cute idea for a little portrait session.