Merry Christmas

Breaking into the treats

Running away with her treats

Snagging her treats

Giving Gpa Hugs

Mom's cedar chest

Kambrie's trophy shelf

Well, Christmas has come and gone, it always sneaks up on me and the checkbook so quickly. LOL!! Just did some after Christmas calculating, OUCH! All kidding aside it was a very nice Christmas.

Cameron received the goldfinger he wanted for his snowmachine, not that he can ride it right now anyways with a bum shoulder, Playstation game, football dvds, H-packs and tons of clothes. Kambrie received an Ipod which now it is almost impossible to talk to her, without her pulling a plug out and asking "WHAT", webkinz, make-up, boots, a very nice shelf, and a boat load of clothes that I believe have found a home already on her bedroom floor. Hank received the weed sprayer he picked out for himself, some clothes that he desperately needed, a coat, a sportsmans package and an auto kit. I received a very nice frame that I had been eyeballing at Michaels, a clock, a food processor (YAY!), clothes, purse, and a little scrapbook that I might actually do.

We opened gifts at our house bright and early, thanks to Kambrie who is usually never out of bed before noon, today she was up at 7. I can't even get her up at 7 on a school day. Mom, Dad, Marlea, and Ted come over while we opened gifts then they journeyed down to Mindy's. After they were done at Mindy's we all went over to mom's to watch them open gifts. Dad made mom a cedar chest like he did for all of us girls last year. (I LOVE MINE) They are all gorgeous. He built Kambrie a shelf to put all of her trophies on and even wrote on the back of it for her to always keep. He had a set of H-packs made for Cameron, which he is thrilled to have. Dad built Macy and Hallie each an armoire to put their clothes in and the monkey (McKade) was anxiously waiting to see what Grandpa had for him. We all went outside to watch Dad drive the snowmobile out of the shop that he had gotten McKade. It was fun to watch him look it over and realize his name was on the front of it. Grandpa & McKade hopped on to go for a little ride and just about rode right into my van.

Mom had fixed dinner, which was delicious. We ate and enjoyed each others company then we went home for a little bit to have a much needed nap. As Hank had worked until 2 a.m Christmas morning and I stayed up until 5 a.m. trying to put music on Kambrie's Ipod.

Later that evening the kids & I went back to mom & dad's to play games. Hank wasn't feeling well and decided he better stay home, I wish he could have come over but knew he didn't feel well. We had a good evening playing games and visiting. Even Tinkerbelle had a very Merry Christmas, she really like her kitty treats.

The kids were also spoiled with gift cards and cash from Gpa Henry & DeVon, Gpa Dan, Gpa Reynolds & Gma Reynolds. Cameron has already spent his. :)

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

Oh, Grandpa Henry & DeVon your gift is on its way.

Thought for Thursday

"There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be 'full-time moms,' at least during the most formative years of their children's lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part- or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else."
M. Russell Ballard, "Daughters of God," Ensign, May 2008, 108

December 6 thru December 14

Saturday, December 6th ~ Hank, Cameron, Kambrie and I loaded up in the truck to go get us a Christmas tree. It was a beautiful day, not too much snow and the sun was shining. We had fun trying to find two good trees and bringing them home. We stopped out on one of the turn outs that look over the valley and had a little picnic then headed home. Hank had to cut the tree about three times before it was the right height. We set the trees up and then had to get ready to go to Hank's Brewster Company Christmas party. It was held at the Rupert Elks, we had a good time. The food was good, the kids received nice gifts, and we learned that Twark could actually kind of dance. LOL!! Kambrie of course was out there dancing the whole time. When we got home the kids were still going a hundred miles an hour and wanted to decorate the trees so we (or should I say they) decorated the trees. They did a good job of decorating both trees, I have one in the piano room and one in the dining room. Cameron has really been in the Christmas decorating spirit this year, which I appreciate. However, he will learn it not all that fun to clean up. LOL!! ;)

Sunday, December 7th ~ Today we went to church where Kambrie was greeted by Sister Sunshine. After church we decided due to the busy week ahead we would just have a family party for Kambrie's Birthday. We enjoyed each others company and singing happy birthday to Kambrie. Can't believe she is 12 years old.

Monday, December 8th ~ Went to work as usual, sent my little girl flowers for her 12th birthday. After work I went to mothers classroom to get pics for my presentation that was due on Tuesday. I picked Kambrie up from school, went to tumbling, and voice lessons then treated her to her favorite dinner at Dairy Queen. She loves their shrimp basket. When we got home she had a couple friends (Macy & Sidney) over to play for a little while. I spent most of the evening getting my presentation ready for Tuesday.

Tuesday, December 9th ~ I went to work today and my computer gave me fits!!!! I could not get anything to work, finally the stupid thing started to move. I didn't think I was going to get my payroll done and I certainly didn't need anymore stress than my presentation was going to give me today. I went to class in Poky and gave my presentation all went well. HOORAY!! I also found out I passed 2 of my tests I had taken. I think Tuesday night I came home and went to bed. Still kinda foggy about it.

Wednesday, December 10th ~ Work was better today had a ton of payables to key on. After work I beat it home to finish up my other assignment for my Health class. Finished it up around six I think. Both of the kids went to mutual tonight, so it was just Hank and I. BORING!!! He watched t.v. while I worked on Christmas calendars on the computer.

Thursday, December 11th ~ I still had a gigantic pile of payables to key on today, finally found the bottom of the pile. I went up to watch a few of the wrestling matches this evening. I think that was about it.

Friday, December 12th ~ Work is always good on Friday, TGIF!!! Only four short hours away from doing nothing. :) Hank had his Black Hills party tonight, it was fun and the food was GREAT! We ate at the Garden Cafe, the steak was sooooooo good.

Saturday, December 13th ~ Today was a busy day. We went up to watch the wrestling matches, which is not as fun since Cameron is not wrestling yet due to a shoulder injury. But then again, it is still fun to watch the other boys on his team. After the wrestling matches we beat it home to get the house cleaned up for dinner tonight. We are having Grandpa Dan, Grandma Murphy, Levi's family, and Tucker's family over for dinner since we have a hard time getting together with them over Thanksgiving and Christmas. We usually have a dinner somewhere in between. Dinner was good and the kids had fun playing. We even had a visitor show up to see Ethan and Brylie. After everyone had left we kicked back for a little while, I think about 11:30 Mom and Grandma Joyce showed up to try some of our leftovers. I finally went to bed around 1, I think.

Sunday, December 14th ~ Today has been pretty lazy. We went to church, Kambrie has moved into Young Womens and excited to be moving on. I came home put on my jammies and updated my blog, now I am going to go have a nice long nap. ;)

Happy Birthday Baby Girl

Well, ok so she isn't a baby anymore. Kambrie Dawn turned 12 years old today. I cannot believe 12 years has gone by so quickly. I remember the day I brought her home and how excited I was. She has been so much fun to have in my life. When she was little I loved picking out her clothes and dressing her up, I can't do that anymore she picks out her own clothes and has her sense of style. Kambrie is fun and bubbly to be around, her smile is infectious. She is a true blessing in my life and will always be my baby girl. Happy Birthday Weedles.

Love you,

Mom

Festival of Trees

Last night Kambrie tumbled at the Burley JV game and her dance group performed at the Festival of Trees . She did a good job, however I would have liked to been able to see all of their faces. Some of the girls took a moment to visit Santa.

Thanksgiving Week

Well, once again I am going to pick my brain to see what I can remember from last week. I know these post get kind of long but it is easier for me to post a good long post for the week as to little ones throughout the week. Plus, it works my brain REALLY hard trying to remember the things from last week. So here goes.

Monday, I went to work as usual but today was a little different than the other days. I went to Stokes to pick up the turkeys for all of the employees and handed them out at lunch time. I always have fun handing out turkeys to them, it is one of the ways Cooper's tells their employees thanks for all they do.

Tuesday, today I ran payroll and worked a little later than normal since I did not have to go to Pocatello for class today, YEAH!!! Instead I got to spend the afternoon in the Dr. Crane's office with Cameron. He hurt his shoulder in AG class, he did not know for sure what was wrong but had a sharp pain run from his hand clear up his neck. The Dr. looked at him and figured he had torn or ripped the ligaments in his shoulder. So he is wearing a brace for the next 3 weeks, which means no wrestling either for a while. Being it is the week of Thanksgiving I am thankful he was not seriously injured.

Wednesday, um not remembering much. The kids got out of school early and being the good little darlings they are they had cleaned the house up before I got home. Something else I am thankful for is there willingness to help out around the house.

Thursday, today is the day of Thanksgiving. We had dinner over at mom's which I am thankful to spend the day with family. After we ate I took dinner over to Hank, he ended up working this Thanksgiving. I sat with him for a little bit and visited, he had work to finish up so I went back to Declo. Everybody was up on the hill shooting trap, so Kambrie and I went up to watch. I didn't think she would be able to shoot, but she wanted to give it a try. She ended up hitting the pigeon on her first shot. LOL!! After a few more shots her arm started to hurt so she rested for a little bit. After we shot trap we went back to mom's and played games. McKade ended up winning in crap on your neighbor, it had come down to him and Grandpa Rod. He was tickled pink to beat him. When games were over we tried to map out our shopping strategies for the next day.

Friday, around 1:30 am I received a text from Marlea. I am in line at Best Buy. I was like WHAT??????? We weren't leaving until 3:30, she had decided to go earlier. The rest of us rode down with Val & Gma. They dropped me off at Best Buy and they went over to Shopko. We shopped until we could shop no more. Mother caused some sort of ruckus at Shopko, as their was a lady back in the toy department talking to another lady, asking if she had seen the lady that couldn't see over her shopping cart over in the electronics department. I knew they were talking about mother, because when I got their she was letting one of the employees have it.

Later, that evening we went over to the square to watch Santa light up the square, then we all went to pizza. All of the girls spent the night at my house, I hope and think they had a good time.

Saturday, we didn't do too much today still trying to recover from Black Friday. Val & I dropped Kambrie, Macy, and Shannon off at Twilight, then we went and did a little shopping. We looked around at Honk's, Walmart, and Penney's. Later that evening we decided it was time for some adult time away from the kidlets. Scott, Mindy, Val, Chauncey, Hank & I went to see Four Christmases. It was nice to get out and enjoy a good laugh.

Sunday, today we went to church. Cameron had to give a talk on honesty. He did a good job. After church we went to Grandma's to mooch some leftovers then I went home so I could have a nap.

I have so many things to be thankful for I don't think I can get them all put into thoughts and words. I am thankful for the community in which I live and the people that make it a great place to live. I am thankful for a loving family that loves me unconditionally despite my many faults. I am thankful for a kind and loving husband that works hard so we can have a nice home and enjoy the many things we do. I am thankful for good kids that are willing to help out and for the strength and love they give to me.

More pics from last week

Last Weeks Happenings

It is time to pick my brain and remember what I did or accomplished last week. Probably won't be much accomplished or remembered. LOL!!

Monday - Work as usual, took Kambrie to gym and voice lessons. Can't remember much else.

Tuesday - Work then I took off to Poky for class. When I arrived at class I was surprised to find out we had a test, this was part of the test last week that she did not give to us. I must have been out to lunch when she discussed it because I don't remember it at all. Arrived home everything else that evening is a blurr.

Wednesday - Ummmm.......... It was hump day which is always a good thing. Worked, came home. I think Hank fixed dinner tonight, helped Kambrie w/ homework then studied for my ICLA test on Thursday.

Thursday - Today I went to work nothing too exciting there. After work I went to the Pep Assemebly for the football players. It was fun the cheerleaders had tried to gather up some of the players mothers for a trick to play on the boys. All of the players were blindfolded and they were told that they were going to be kissed by one of the cheerleaders and they had to guess which one it was. Well, of course they were not the ones kissing the boys the mothers came out and lined up across from their son and kissed them when Mrs. Kidd told them to kiss the boys. It was fun, Cameron was funny to watch but it didn't take long for him to figure it out. The students got a kick out of it. Coach Kidd gave a good little pep talk then the whole student body lined up the street to send them off. The Junior High and Grade School students were lined up on the street as well. The fire trucks led them out of town honking their horn as they drove through town. After the assembly Joelle and I went out to do our visiting teaching. I then headed out for Twin Falls to take my ICLA's, my brain was fried after taking three exams. I hope that I did well, but I do not think I did very well on Standard I. I wasn't really prepared for it and was going to take it Saturday morning but she said we could take it tonight if we wanted. So I took it because I wouldn't have much time to study for it anyways.

Friday - Friday was a fun and exciting day, We went to Boise to watch our boys playoff in the State Championship game. Before we left Kambrie, Sydney and Macy decorated my van for the game. I think the whole town of Declo was there. Dan and Levi went down to watch as well. This was the first time Declo had ever made it this far. It was a GREAT game, not only was the game great but it was awesome to see the love and support that the community has for our schools, our coaches, our teams, and our youth. The game was intense as it went into overtime. We ended up losing to Parma 29 to 28 Declo. It was sad to lose, but not is lost as I think our team learned some very valuable lessons throughout the season. I am thankful to the coaches for being the leaders and role models that they are for our young men. When the game was over we went out to dinner with the whole family at Red Robin, it was fun and we enjoyed each others company.

Saturday - I slept in a little bit, did some house work, then went and got a few groceries. Not a whole lot going on which is nice for a change.

Sunday - Today we got up and went to church. I enjoyed going to church today and listening to the lessons. Terri gave a lesson on reverence during the Sacrament, she did a very good job and gave me a little something more to work on. Kelly gave a great lesson in Sunday School as usual, I really do enjoy the lessons he prepares. He relates them to real life experiences that we have today that we can all relate too. After church Cameron decided that it was time for Clark Griswold to visit our house so he spent the day decorating the outside which I do REALLY appreciate. I fixed dinner, sent Hank off to work and went for a walk with mom and Mindy.

Last Weeks Happenings

Well, where to begin it was a busy week.

Monday - Monday, Monday, Monday, let's see I went to work, stayed over a little while to get somethings done for the tax audit on Thursday. I went up to the school to get Kambrie and to see how she would do on her Hunters Ed test. After 45 minutes of pure torture, not so much the test itself just all of the chaos that was going on while she was taking it, she passed the test. I suppose it worked to her advantage, she still has a lot to learn about hunting safety. After the test we went to tumbling and voice lessons as usual. Then home we went, dinner then bed.

Tuesday - Tuesday I can't remember much of all I know is I ran payroll then took off to Poky for my class. We had a test which I think I did pretty well on. Oh, I know we had the Fireworks Fundraiser up at Declo that night as well. Kim and I help run the bake good sale. There were lots of goodies and overall I think it did pretty well.

Wednesday - I know I went to work stayed over to get things done for the tax audit on Thursday. UGH!! I will be soooooo glad when it is over with. Honestly, I don't know what else went on Wednesday. Cameron went to mutual, I think the rest of us just loafed around all evening. Still scratchin' my head trying to remember. LOL!!

Thursday - Well, it was a quite stressful morning the tax auditor came to go over all the schedules to see what we could zero out. The accountant has requested a little more time to gather a few more things that we need. The auditor left around noon just about that time the power went out as someone had hit a power pole down by our business. The power was out clear through lunch which was good because it was nice and quiet. Not much you can do when the power is out. I came home from work and tried to take a short nap, I hadn't slept too well the night before. The nap didn't work out so well either I kept waking up all disoriented thinking I was late for the audit, then next time I woke up I didn't know what day it was. I finally remembered it was Thursday and I needed to go pick up Kambrie from dancing.

Friday - TGIF, I couldn't wait for Friday, I was ready for this week to be over with. I had an appointment after work, Hank picked me up and I went home to have a nap. Later that evening Sidney Zaharias and I went to Stokes to pick up the things we would need for the Achievement Day breakfast the next morning. I stopped up at Southside Electric to see who was scrapping, I was going to go home and get a few things and decided it was too much work to gather up my junk and go. I really need to get somethings organized so I can go next time.

Saturday - Supposed to be a relaxing day off, not. We got up bright and early to get to the church by 8:00 our breakfast is at 9:00. All of the girls and the leaders got to the church and worked really well together in preparing the breakfast. Their parents showed up at 9:00 and we all sat down together and had an enjoyable morning. At least I thought it was, I hope the girls had a good time too. Each girl told about the food group they were assigned and then each girl shared a family history story. It was a busy morning but an enjoyable one as well. Later that afternoon we went to Pocatello to watch the boys football playoff game. It was looking pretty grim at first and I thought for sure we would be finished. But after the half our boys came out a whole new team and went to playing some ball. It was a great game to watch. They came away beating Nampa Christian 29 - 16. Next week they will play at Boise State against Parma, I am looking forward to the game and hope they do well. After the game in Pocatello we had to HURRY back to Burley. Kambrie's tumbling group was performing at the girls basketball game we were hustlin' to get back. As we were driving down the interstate we kept passing all of these pickup trucks with game in the back of them. Hank could see the horns sticking up out of the back, he would have liked to have gotten a better look but we needed to hurry. Sorry dear. LOL!! Cameron rode the bus home from the game was still quite excited when he got home, he had a hard time going to bed, as well as many of the boys I am sure.

Sunday - Well, today is Stake Conference. There was a special meeting for the youth at 9:00 and as usual without any prompting or direction from us telling him he should go he was up and gone. I woke up about 9:00 to find that my breakfast dish mess from the morning before had been taken care of by my dear sweet hubby. The kitchen was clean and the living room was picked up, Thank you!! We went to Stake Conference the speakers were good but Chris and Kim's kids were more entertaining. LOL!! After conference we went with Cameron over to Horace Coltrins where Cameron received his Patriarchial Blessing. Cameron received a wonderful blessing and I am sure many of the things Brother Coltrin said will come to pass. He is a good son and good example, I hope and pray that he will remain focused on continuing to do the right things and fulfilling the missions in life that his Heavenly Father has planned for him.

That wraps up our week, it is probably a good thing I have been blogging otherwise I would never remember. ;)

TGIF

Thank goodness it is Friday. It has been a loooooonnnnggggg week. Between tests, kids homework and the tax audit were are undergoing at work I am ready for this week to be over with. Our audit is not complete yet, we are scheduled to finish up on the 5th. UGH!! It will make for a lovely finals week I am sure. Luckily none of my classes this semester are terribly difficult. I was looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow and remembered we have our Achievement day breakfast, so that idea is shot. Maybe I will catch a nap while we drive to Poky tomorrow. TGIF!!

Tuesday Tidbit ~ Remembering our Veteran's

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.
~Elmer Davis

Last Weeks Happenings......

Monday I can't remember much other than the usual. Went to work ran Kambrie to tumbling & voice lessons.

Tuesday was election day. Hank & I went to the school to vote Tuesday morning, I am glad we went when we did. We had just gotten finished voting when Mr. Bott came to do the days annoucements, he welcomed the students and the voters. He then asked everyone to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance. It was kind of an awesome experience to be there in the foyer with several other voters exercising our right to vote. There were two high school girls there as well and they must have been in a hurry to get somewhere because they were trying to hurry the Pledge along, which I did find kind of sad that they were lacking in the respect department. Later that night I went with Kim into the Republican "Party" in at the Burley Inn, not much a party was going on. Kim and I walked in just as they had announced that Barrack Obama had won the election. I wasn't pulling for him but it does mark an important day in history as our first elected African/American President. I can only hope that he will be given the strength and guidance needed to lead our country. I hope the American public will give him the respect and courtesy that should be shown to the leaders of our country. The last few years have really bothered me with the way the media and the people show such little respect for President Bush. Yes, sure there are somethings I don't agree with but I think the leaders of our country deserve more respect than what they have been shown.

Wednesday - Went to work as usual. That evening I took Kambrie and some friends to the play "The Nerd" put on by Declo High School. It was a cute play, but I don't know if I can do it two nights in a row.

Thursday - Work as usual. Kambrie wants to go see the play one more time with the other cast members playing in it tonight. Tonights play was much funnier than last nights. The students did a good job.

Friday - I don't remember much about Friday. I might need some Gingko Biloba or something to help me remember. LOL!

Saturday - Well, it was a loooooonnnnnggg day. I had to be in Pocatello for a study session at 9:00 so there I was allllllllllll day long. After the study session I hung around Poky for a little bit until it was game time. Declo played West Jefferson in the quarter finals for state. We ended up winning 34 to 6. So, we get to go back again next week. We will play Nampa Christian at 3:30 at

Holt arena, then we have to bust it back for Kambrie's half time performance at 7:30. YIKES!!

Sunday - Sunday was a peaceful Sunday. Went to church watched the primary program, came home, ate, kicked back for a little bit, then it was time to get going on homework. Kambrie and Hank studied for her Hunters Ed test (which she passed, thank goodness). Cameron wrote his paper on the Crucible, I did my reading interview and my dear sweet mother helped me get my journal entry done for the week. THANKS, MOM!