2008 In Review (unblogged pictures only)

I have no pictures of January. Where did that month go? I suppose I was catching up from a busy December vacation and Christmas, then preparing for a very busy February.

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You know, they say journaling makes you a happier person because it helps you focus on the good things in life. I completely agree! Preparing this post has made me especially happy. There were a lot of tough times in 2008, but overall it was a great year filled with friends and family. We are very blessed.

February

Here are just a couple pictures from our trip to Disneyland with Keith's mom. The heart is from a primary lesson Luke got. He was told to put this somewhere in the house where someone could find it and he chose to put it on Megan's bed.

March

Can you believe we went to the Moon and Mars with Kim and Kraig? What a great experience!


Below are pictures from our annual Oaks Easter Egg Hunt.


April

Barb, come back to Utah! I loved skiing with you!


The kids first time skiing... Thanks for helping Erin!

I love this picture by Jamie Hamblin's husband (below). This is a picture of most of the people at our first ever Digital Scrapbook Retreat. It was so much fun!


May

Welcome to the family, Amy!


I always seem to get a lot of pictures in May because the weather is getting warmer and I can find lots of good light for pictures outside. I love May!




June

June was filled with lots of pool time. We also went to St. George with our friends (the Petersons) and watched poor Tanner cut his knee open at our house while playing in the sprinklers. A few stiches and several weeks later he was fine... poor kid.


July

I love this picture of some of our cute neighbor friends.



Fourth of July pictures. Megan didn't you get the memo to wear red?

Luke's sign below says "Clowns Hiring Megan". Luke thinks his sister is hilarious and PAID her to be a clown in his kid's club. Megan thought it was an insult at first but soon realized it was a compliment and got paid very well for her work entertaining the Luke's kids club.



August

I love the mountains, I love the rolling hills...

The next two pictures were taken by Erin's photographer. Again, I forgot his name, but if you want his number I'll find it.



I'm so grateful my kids are able to make many of the same memories their dad made while he was a kid. We love visiting our "far away grandmas".



September

Rats. If you look close you'll see a third foot in the picture below of Megan's first day of preschool this year. I'm not going to fix it, because I don't want to take the time. The third foot was added on accident because I was resizing the picture and copied one picture on top of another. Oh well.
This is Luke's normal pose for pictures. He loves to make faces at the camera in protest.




October

We love our cousins. Here are a few of them.

November

More fun friends. These guys just moved in a few months ago and we are SO HAPPY to have them.

The Mighty Fine Mustang Award was a big deal to Luke. He got it from the principal for following directions. His name was called over the loud speaker and we got a personal call from the principal congratulating us on Luke's award!



December

Haha! I think this is a funny picture to end on because it's so bad, but I love the memory all the same. Also, this isn't my husband, it's my brother-in-law Matthew. Keith hates my blog so I can't blog about him much, I can only sneak a picture in of him once in a while.

Have You Ever?

I took this from my friend Heather's blog. If you want to do this too, copy the list and bold the items you've done, then post it on your blog.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo (as a kid, I wouldn't be asked now)
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning (well, I think I did)
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked (no, but I was with someone who did this to get our car)
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors (only if you count SLC)
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language (I used to be fairly good at sign language but since I quit learning I have lost most of it)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (at least for a short time)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant (no, but someone voluntered to do that for me... so nice)
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain (well...probably, but I don't remember it being as romantic as the movies... ha ha)
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving (I used to want to, but NO MORE)
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp (I really want to do this)
67. Bounced a check (I got it paid though)
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone (just a toe)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

My Side of the Family

This is a fun picture of my side of the family from Erin's wedding last summer. I think the photographer did a great job. I can't remember his name right now but I'll ask Erin if anyone wants to know.

My dad's parents are on the left side, and my mom's dad is on the right. My brother and sister-in-law are standing on the left, my sister and brother-in-law are standing on the right. The bride is also my sister. There are four siblings.

It's strange not to have my mom's mom in the picture. She did almost exactly a year ago, on Christmas Eve. Although it was a tragedy to loose her, I don't think loosing someone you love at Christmastime is horrible. Because she died on Christmas Eve, we will always be together on the anniversary of her death to remember her. It brings me comfort to know my grandpa will always be surrounded by his family on that day.

I was close to my grandma and think of her all the time, especially as I drive by all the places we used to eat. We loved to eat out together. Keith was sweet and told me that it's neat I am able to have so many reminders of the places we did go together, rather than regrets of the places we said we would go.

My sister Angie made my grandpa a really sweet gift this year. It took a lot of work but she got everyone in the family to answer questions about my grandma. She compiled all of the answers and (with the help of my cousin Renae) put them in a book with pictures. It is a beautiful book and I truly appreciate Angie for putting the book together.

I'm Cooking

I bought a George Foreman Grill with some money my Mother and Father-in-law gave me for Christmas. Thank you Lonnie and Linda!

Yes, you heard that right. I voluntarily bought cooking supplies.

First I made waffles. Success!

Next I made fish. Total bomb. Well, Luke said it tasted good but it totally fell apart and stuck to the grill. I only got about half off of the grill. Any advice?

I'm trying chicken next. The main reason I wanted this grill was to make tastier chicken. Wish me luck.

Of all the presents...

...my neice chose to open this one a couple days before Christmas. I couldn't believe that she passed up all of the other (big) presents and chose to open this one when I wasn't looking. It's just a tiny tree ornament. Or at least it was. Ha ha. It makes me smile. I'm so glad I remembered to take a picture so I can remember this. She is such a cutie.



Our Christmas was great! The kids were so much fun to be with and watch. They were totally spoiled in every way. I made sure to explain how fortunate they were and talk about the importance of giving to others who don't have as much. I want my kids to understand how rich they are. Seriously. We my be an average American family when it comes to finances, but we are rich when you compare our situation with those in third world countries. Millions of people in this world couldn't ever dream of having even a fraction of what we have here in the United States and other countries like ours. I'm grateful I have been able to see some of these poor areas first hand so that I can truly appreciate how much I have.

I didn't take any pictures on Christmas. I love to take pictures, but sometimes it's more fun to enjoy the experience. Keith did get video footage of the kids Christmas morning and I took a picture of the kids toys in the middle of the night after Santa came though.

Hope you all had a great Christmas!

I Peeked...

I had to peek to see if Santa had come, and he did! Santa must have known that my kids were really good because there are loads of toys covering our couches. Where on earth are we going to fit all of this stuff?

It's 2:00 a.m. I guess I should go to bed. I'm so excited for the morning!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Gingerbread House

While the snow fell lightly outside...

It Really Happened

I'm trying to find the longer version of this top video. It may not be a video, it may just be the audio portion that is longer. Has anyone heard it? It's so beautiful.



Here is another special video. I love Christmas. What a beautiful time to remember what is real.

Congratulations Lesley, Jake, Ryan and Lanie!

I went to two weddings for two different cousins yesterday. Both weddings were at really neat locations. The first, for my cousin Lesley, was at the Olympic Park in Park City. It's so neat up there. We had a lot of great views of the ski jump from the rooms we were in. No one was practicing but the scenery was beautiful. After the reception I could have kicked myself for not bringing a camera because the lights on the bobsled track were so beautiful with all of the snow! I'll just have to go back and get a picture at night sometime. I'd also LOVE to go down the bobsled but if I remember right it's something like $250! Yikes! Still, it's kind of neat that that opportunity is available to the public.

Next, we went to my cousin Ryan's reception. It was held at the Rose Shop in Sandy. Pictures on their website DO NOT do it justice. It is absolutely magical in there. If you ever get invited to a wedding there, don't miss it!! Again, I wish I had my camera. It was incredible. I don't even know how to describe it. I was so impressed.

I really enjoyed hanging out with so many family members yesterday, especially those I don't get to see too often.


Note: I stole the picture of Ryan and Lanie from her Facebook account. I didn't take that picture (the picture on the left).

Proof!

Check this out. Here is proof Santa likes to swim. I thought he would for sure be swimming at the swim party listed in a previous post, but now I'm thinking that Santa wasn't the real one, and that's why he wasn't swimming. Hummm...



Also, did you notice where this picture was taken? Sandy, UT - just a couple miles away from me on the corner of State and 90th. Santa seems to hang out there with his reindeer quite a bit.

Beautiful Snow

I have really enjoyed the snow this year. I haven't always enjoyed the snow, but I do this year. Even shoveling the driveway has been fun because I've decided to be positive. I just think of it as an extra workout for the day. The snow really is beautiful and I'm glad I've chosen to enjoy it so much this year.

Human Christmas Tree

I was in charge of Luke's class Christmas party today. I love going to the school and helping in his class. I love knowing what is going on at his school. Luke's teacher is great and lets me hang out in the class a little extra, even if all of the volunteer work is done. I really appreciate the opportunity to help at least once a week. I even get to bring Megan since she is almost kindergarten age.

The party was insane. The kids were wild, but had a great time. We made ice cream in baggies, played a game (that didn't really work) and decorated their teacher like a Christmas Tree. The kids LOVED decorating their teacher. I wish I got better pictures, but at least I have pictures, right? I let the kids wrap up in wrapping paper and pretend to be presents under the tree too. Their teacher was such a good sport. She even let me tape a star to her forehead that one of the girls created!

Thankfully, my friend Angie worked like mad the entire party and my Grandpa Park was there to help too. Thanks Angie and Grandpa! By the way Angie, I bought that peppermint ice cream because I was craving it after your last blog post. I couldn't find the same kind you suggested but it hit the spot :)

Practical Presents?

Honestly, my favorite part of Christmas is GIVING presents. Really. However, I'm in the mood to talk about receiving presents today...

What kind of presents do you like? I personally LOVE practical presents. You could buy me a roll of toilet paper and I'd be happy. I'm slightly exaggerating but I really do love practical gifts. I love gifts that I will for sure use. I'm shocked when people complain about getting practical gifts. I think they are so GREAT! My sister-in-law Christina got me a gift certificate to Dream Dinners once. It took me forever to use it (don't ask me why) but I LOVED that present. Both my in-laws and parents buy us food storage and I love those gifts too.

I'm really curious how you all feel about getting practical presents. I'm also curious what your favorite types of presents are. I love to give practical presents but sometimes I worry others will think the presents are lame. Once I gave my MIL cleaning supplies. Her house is very clean so it definitely wasn't a hint to clean. I just thought it was a good gift... one I would have liked. That same year I had friends laughing at the practical presents they got and I got really nervous that my gift was bad.

Other gifts I like are ones that will entertain me, especially things like movie tickets that will not take up any room in my house :) I get so overwhelmed with the lack of storage space in our house. Once I got my sister and BIL tickets to Sundance for a guided night snowshoe tour to see Owls. I thought that was a neat gift because it's so different. They said they liked it. I hope they really did. I would have.

If anyone wants to e-mail Keith for me (hint), the present I want the most this year from him is either this pair of ice skates (size 9) or an annual pass for a couple to this place. I say a couple pass because Megan is free and Keith won't go.

Pakistan

My Grandpa Park brought this back to me from a trip to Pakistan. I have always loved it. It's one of my favorite things. I used to have it out all of the time but now I just get it out at Christmas time. One day I'll have a safe permanent home for it again.

Thanks Matt!

My new brother-in-law Matthew, went skiing with us the other day. The kids were so excited to have him with us! Grandpa Park came too (but only watched). I love spending time with both of these men. My kids are still extreme beginners in the skiing department but I'm determined to help them be able to zoom down the mountain by the end of the year. It's absolutely amazing to me how good some of these tiny skiers are on the slopes! My kids aren't afraid to fall if they are going really slow, but going fast is still too scary and they rarely want to let go of me yet. That's ok. They'll get it. I figure we'll be like the tortoise and win the race eventually :)

They Closed My Gym

The other day I go to the gym and all of the lights are out. I figured the person who opens the gym must have slept in but thought it was weird the neon lights were all dark too. Later that day I drive by again to see what is going on and found out they closed my gym! It's my understanding they didn't even let the employees know until the day before. How sad to lose your job right before Christmas with no warning.

So, I went gym shopping. First I went to Gold's. It's a beautiful gym but SO EXPENSIVE and crowded. I really would love to go there because some of you go there, but I am way too cheap. Next I went to Planet Fitness (10 minutes away and right by Witmore Library). I did not expect to join but it's only $10 a month and there is no long term contract. It's just a month to month contract. They were doing a special where you could join for only $1 (it's normally only $39) so really there was no risk in joining. Planet Fitness is REALLY nice. It's got great machines, everything is new and clean too! There was one machine (an arc trainer) I really loved there. It is a cross between a stair stepper and an eliptical. I was suprised how high it wanted me to lift my legs. I felt like I got a great work out.

Still... I'm wondering what you like about your gym (if you go to one). If you go to Gold's I'm wondering why you chose that gym. I'm still shopping a little bit.

Let it Snow!

I took this picture a couple years ago. 20 minutes down the canyon (where I live) there was no snow on the ground at all. Yes, the snow was this high in the mountains. They had to dig out this sign so people could see it.

Awesome!! I love living here.