Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Trip to Utah

At the beginning of the month, we took a family trip to my family's condo in Mt. Holly, Utah. My parents have had this place since I was a baby, and I never remembered there being much, if any, snow on the ground toward the end of November. Well, we thought we would do some hiking and fishing, but the higher we got up the mountain, the more white the ground was becoming. Of course the weather channel didn't prep me for this at all, and we were completely unprepared. The kids had a blast playing in the snow; something that is a rare treat for them. Luckily, all of my sister's and my own ski clothes from when we were little were in a closet at the condo. We dug through boxes and were able to make up three mismatched snow outfits. John got a kick out of seeing my baby snowsuits and little sets of long johns. The snow got cold after a while, so we relaxed around the fire watching movies and eating Thanksgiving leftovers. While we were there a big snowstorm came through. We were worried we wouldn't be able to get off the mountain; the idea of bringing snow chains for the car had never entered our minds. We had to wait a while for the roads to be plowed, but eventually we slowly made it down the mountain.


Next, we headed toward Provo to visit John's mom, sister, and family. They live in a little town called Saratoga Springs. The kids had fun playing with their cousins, and we were able to just relax and hang out with everyone. We went into Salt Lake for the Festival of Trees. There were hundreds of beautiful trees and Christmas decorations on display. It was a wonderful trip, and it was great being able to get away with the family.







Making gingerbread houses at Grandma and Grandpa Bailey's house





John and his sister, Elise



Corinne and her cousin, Lauren



Grandma with the kids at The Festival of Trees



Coy in front of The Wizard of Oz tree




Placing a phone booth call to one of Santa's elves



Corinne got a personal elf call (daddy) after her call was sadly cut short




Star Wars tree



Christian by the Up gingerbread house



All the cousins



Tuesday, December 22, 2009

November in a Nutshell

I haven't been too loyal to my blog. Let me just tell you that my time has been served cleaning, wrapping presents, and tending to classroom holiday parties, times three. I love this time of year, but I will not hide the fact that it was a lot more enjoyable as a kid. Christmas was magical back then. It just happened, right? No, I've learned that there were two hard-working people behind it that made the season seem like magic because of a lot of hours spent preparing for the joyous day of Christmas. My mother was always a good decorator when it came to holidays. Every season has plates, table clothes, and an abundance of appropriate decor. I've learned a lot from her after years of celebrations and holidays; but let me tell you, it's no easy task. However, I can say that when I sneak around and see my kids playing with the nativity scenes and singing "Silent Night" it makes it all worth it.

Just a quick note on Thanksgiving. It was relaxing, it was just the five of us (a first), and it was filled with way too much food. We were able to get away the day after Thanksgiving for a week long family trip. It was great and filled with snow. I'll fill you in on all that later. I cooked away all day which resulted in enough food for twelve. So, we had Thanksgiving dinner for five nights after that. Once the fruit salad started tasting funny, we threw it all out. This Thanksgiving was one that helped me to see, once again, that money and things don't matter. I have so much to be thankful for right under my nose. I just have to take a quick glance at my beautiful, healthy family, and I realize that I've seen more joy than some do in a lifetime.

So, this is coming a month late, but I'm most thankful for my Savior who paid my debt in full when He was fully God and blameless. He built the bridge, with nothing but grace, for me to have a relationship with my Heavenly Father when there was no other way because of my sin. I'm thankful that because of His merciful sacrifice, I am free of condemnation. He gives me strength for today and hope for tomorrow even when, with my human eyes, I can't see it. I am also thankful for my family that I know I take for granted, at times, just because of the stress that everyday life brings. I've been blessed with three children that have taught me more and given me more joy than I could ever have imagined. I'm thankful that God knew exactly what the purpose of my life was even when I had no clue. I'm thankful for my extended family. I know that, even with all the many personalities on the table, I have received more support and love than I know what to do with. Okay, I'm done with the sappy stuff. Happy Thanksgiving on December 22nd.










Monday, December 14, 2009

Birthdays

We had two important birthdays in November. I'll begin with the more loved and less furry of the two. John's dad, Tony, had a little birthday party with the family. The kids got to hang out with Grandpa, Nana, Uncle Jay, and Aunt Katie. It's always fun getting some Romo men together in one room. It becomes very entertaining; this could have a lot to do with John. Happy birthday to Grandpa Tony!



Grandpa needed lots of help.


Grandpa and Nana

Birthday party number two was for another member of our family. I can't believe I have put up with him for a whole year. I'm very proud of myself that I can still say Apollo has remained our pet. Let's face it though, if it weren't for John, he probably would have moved on to greener pastures by now. I really do love this dog when I'm not loathing him. He turned one year on November 17th. The kids wanted to have a little party for him, so we took Apollo to a way overpriced doggy store where we got him some treats and a cake. The kids sang happy birthday to him and showered him with affection. I don't get it. I guess it is safe to say we've all grown completely attached to this crazy, annoying, lovable animal. Happy birthday, Apollo. May you be lucky enough to survive another year in our home.
That's a classy picture.




A man in a wife beater with his bad rass dog. It's a good look.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Teddy Bear Picnic

Here are some cute pictures of Corinne from her "Teddy Bear Picnic" at preschool. The kids sang some songs for all the parents, then we had a picnic lunch.