UPDATE

Two weeks from now...we'll be signing papers on our "new" home!!! For those of you who don't know, this has been a LONG haul. It will be 13 months since we have had a place of our own! I never thought I could make it through this. AND yes, I have learned a lot along the way. This has definitely changed me. The boys are so excited. They just wanna get started on their new fort. The home sits on 5 acres, so they'll have plenty of forest to explore, too. Tom is excited because there is already a huge barn\shop. It has a full loft, which will be great for storage. Plus, I will finally get the big craft room that I have always wanted. MMMM...dreamy:) The house needs a ton of work and updating, but I don't mind one bit. Actually I can't wait to paint and redo the kitchen and bathrooms:) I have plans, baby:) I'll post some "before" pictures as soon as we get the keys.

Tacoma Narrows

We planned to spend the day at the zoo a few weeks ago, but there was not a single parking spot to be found! So, we decided to take a hike across the new Tacoma Narrows bridge. It was a gorgeous day!! So perfect. We could see the Olympics and the Cascades covered with snow. The view was spectacular. We had to start from pretty far away, so it took a while to just get to the bridge. It was way far up...up with the sky and the wind and all...(quote from BOB:)) I was glad we did that. We are really trying to take more time to just get out and enjoy where we live. We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful place.











Then, we found this lil' hole in the wall deli in downtown Gig Harbor that had the most delicious parmasean crusted scallops!!! NUMMY
This was the view

A house full of boys and what do I get?

Ah, the life in the world of all boys! Sports are a must around here. On Christmas day, the boys were able to have dry weather so they went out with Papa and Uncle Tom to play some football and basketball. Daddy had just had surgery, so he was all cozied up in the recliner. Here are some action shots...not sure why this one is greenish??? ew. It needs a lil' Photoshop.





Michael has a little problem with the giggles. He laughs every time he starts running or the game gets intense. It cracks me up!




Now, this man takes his football seriously. Can you imaging him pitching in baseball with an expression like that??!! YIKES



Then, we moved on to basketball. Dallin made the school team this year. It is kind of funny because he is a foot taller than all the other players...even the ones older than him.





Scott has to exert a ton of effort to make "a hoop" as he calls it.

Holly Jolly Christmas

What a year! We have been on such a roller coaster, that this Christmas was a much needed break. Ah, I love being around family and good food and lights and music. Our program at church was exceptional this year. My favorite was a family of 4 boys and their sister that sang Silent Night a cappella. It was perfect and amazing. It was just a more peaceful and quiet mood this year. I started working the Monday before Christmas. Needless to say, I was exhausted by the time Friday rolled around. So, I took full advantage of the hours after presents and before the big meal to take a very intense nap. "I did a pretty good job" - quote from Dennis the Menace :)

Dad made these ornaments. They look so great on the tree.

Papa had to kick Michael out of this spot so he could sit by Nana. Michael was reluctant...What a love bug.

Scott was pretty happy about his gifts this year. He was especially stoked about his RC truck. "Dad, look! It's a Ford."

Dallin loves green. I, on the other hand, look hideous in green. Mom and I knew we found a winner with this jacket from Old Navy.

I got some beautimous earrings and matching necklace from Mom and Dad.

Tom has been doing a ton of reading this last year. He just can't get enough of it. So, we set him up with 5 or 6 good reads to last him for a few months.

Charlie Brown Christmas at the Lunds'

So, this year we were invited to the Lund home to celebrate their annual Charlie Brown Christmas with them. All the children made homemade ornaments to put on the lil' spindly tree. It was fun to watch them all create.


Dallin was a bit hesitant, but he liked painting a snowflake. It was the most "manly" thing he could find to paint.

Then, they got to decorate some cookies. Scott...well, let's just say he went through quite a bit of sprinkles. YUCK. I don't know how he choked those cookies down! He had to stop mid-bite to take a deep breath and continue on.

Lego Man

Michael is such a creative lil' man. He has always been able to make things from memory. If I give him a new set of legos, he has it built in minutes, without referring much to the instructions. He can just look at it and build. This kid is my lil' artist in the making. This animal even has a moving tail and legs.

Update!

Yup, I got the job! Woohoo!