We had a wonderful Christmas. We were able to spend some great time with the Hansen's in Vernal, UT on Christmas Eve and then with my family on Christmas. We were beyond blessed from so many people! We received more than we deserved. I will let the pictures do the talking.

Kylee's favorite gift

Tyler with a new shirt

The kids playing on a huge pile of snow at Grandma and Grandpa Hansen's house

Christmas Eve in Vernal

Malia with her new pillow

At the Hansen's

My Dad and Tyler building a Lego Bionical

The kids with my parents

Happy Children!

Good Food, Good Times and Best Buds!!!

I had the best weekend! It all started with my best friend Tracy coming into town from my home town Sacramento, CA on Thursday. She was able to hang out during the day on Friday and see a crazy day-in-the-life of me...surprisingly enough she still wants to have kids of her own after being here!!!

Then we met up with my other 2 best buds Kari and Melanie (we have all been friends since we were 9 and 10!) at a fabulous hotel in SLC. We ate yummy food, listen to music from back in the day, looked through old album's and said stuff like "How did our mothers let us out of the house in that! What is my hair doing in that picture! Why didn't someone tell me that guy I dated was a looser!"

We stayed up way too late, ate too much junk and had the time of our lives. I love these girls and love how well they know me. It was hard to leave them and I just want you girls to know how much I love you and how grateful I am for you!!!

Tyler Turns 7!!

Tyler is 7 now! His birthday was on the 3rd. We celebrated on his birthday by getting our new car, and then going to the fun zone (Tyler's heaven on earth). He had his first friend party on Saturday. It was pretty crazy fun. I learned my lesson on not inviting so many boys.

Tyler is so special to our family. He is the survivor of three sisters, that in itself is a big accomplishment. There would be a huge hole in all of our lives without our Ty. Here are a few of the things that make Tyler unique:

-He gets 100 % on almost all his spelling tests-

-He loves to play sports and is really good at soccer and basketball-

-He is very obedient and almost never questions "why" when he is told to do something-

-He talks baby talk to Malia, and always makes sure she has what she needs (even when she may not deserve it)-

-He can play by himself for hours, just in his imagination-

-He is a very grateful boy. Ever since he was old enough to talk he remembers his pleases and thank yous-

We love you Tyler! Happy Birthday! (ps. there may have been another birthday around here, a certain old lady turned 30...but we are not mentioning who....shhhh.....)

Here are James and Kylee as the pirates in charge of the treasure hunt at the party. Pretty cute, huh!

Christmas Miracles and Restored Hope

To begin, I am not telling this story because I want you feel sorry for me. I tell this story because I want to testify that God is real! He hears our prayers! He knows us personally! If you are reading these words, and you have ever doubted that there is a Heavenly Father, or if he has given up or not cared about you, I am here to tell you that he knows you and loves you...And miracles DO still happen!

It all started back in August when our mini van decided it didn't want to work anymore. So, I drove the truck around and James was able to use his scooter. While we were waiting for the diagnosis on the van the trusty and reliable scooter (that is a complete exaggeration) decided it didn't like working either. So...we were down to one vehicle, the truck. My brother and sister-in-law very generously offered to let us drive there Pontiac.

We got the news not long after that our van had a cracked piston and needed a whole new engine. It would cost almost twice as much as the van was worth to fix. We just didn't have the money.

At least we had the Pontiac, and at least we had the truck, right? Well, about 2 weeks ago the truck decided that it felt left out and wanted to stop working. Really? Could this be happening? How does something like this even make sense? We have no vehicles left!

I don't remember very many times in my life when I have actually gone to my knees and asked my Father in Heaven for a miracle. A miracle is what it would take. And we needed one.

It was about 8:00pm on Wednesday night when we received our miracle. A large sum of money was given to us, with the instructions to go buy a new car! Now I use the term "new" loosely, BUT the vehicle that were able to purchase with our Christmas miracle money is as wonderful and beautiful as anything I have ever seen. Here are the key features: It starts! It runs! It fits our whole family! And it's OURS!

I know that God lives. He hears our prayers. He may let a struggle sometimes. He may humble us, and allow us an opportunity to rely on faith, and long suffering...But then he blesses us. This I know! Please think about and give thanks for the miracles in your life.