Update on Mom

Just a quick note. Surgery didn't take place today. Last minute checking showed that the tumor had progressed too far to take out right now. She started chemo today and will do that for about 3 months, hoping that it will shrink the tumor, and then attempt to take it out. Not the best news, but at least we are moving in the right direction. She is doing great and hoping that her hair will last a while. Thanks to all those that have showed concern and have been praying. It has been felt and I am so appreciative of it.

I promise to laugh everyday

This is my sweet mom and I at the premier of Twilight in November. We are the best of friends, chat everyday - sometimes several times a day, and hang out often. She is my hero. We found out last week that she has breast cancer. Talk about throwing us a curve ball. I have been an emotional mess ever since. I went from being shocked to angry to scared to hopeful. She has been amazing. She found out on her lunch hour and went back to work. Not quite sure how she did it but she did. She has been through so much this last year and she continues to amaze me with how she keeps a great attitude. She is scheduled for surgery this Friday. We are all praying for the best and she keeps saying "it's going to be good." She has also made us promise to laugh everyday. She's going along with that old saying - Laughter is the best medicine. I love you mom! We will get through and we will laugh everyday!!!

The Bean Museum

I have lived in Utah my entire life and have only been to the Bean Museum one other time. How sad is that? I took the kids and met my sisters-in-law there with their kids for a fun filled time looking at the animals. Here is a list of their favorites:

Dylan: the Liger - Napoleon Dynamite anyone???
Braxton: all of the tigers
Natalie: she loved the lion but didn't want to get too close. She loves the lion in Narnia and went nuts when she saw the real thing - kind of.

We checked out all of the wild things and then went to lunch at the creamery where the kids got to see Jason. Good times, good food!!

Sledding

First family picture of the New Year!

Jason trying to keep Nati on.

Me with Nati, and Brax. Notice Braxtons mask - Jason's hunting face mask. Nice!!

Dylan getting ready to show us what he's made of.

Natalie and uncle Jesse. He spent more time taking the kids down than anyone. What a good uncle!!

This last Saturday we took the kids sledding with Jason's family up at Jolley's Ranch. There were lots of people there but it was fun. Natalie did great for the first half hour, then it all went down hill from there - literally. Braxton talked me into going down with him. We both squealed the whole way down and I silently prayed that I wouldn't kill anyone at the bottom. Jesse led the boys in a few races which turned into holding onto eachothers tubes, and major competition to win. We had been promising the kids that we would go for quite some time so I'm glad I made Dylan's "promises kept list". We only stayed for about 2 hours then finished up with hot chocolate and donuts.

Jumpin' Jacks

Just happy to be there

Natalie wasn't quite sure of this one.

Nat & Buddy

Braxton being fearless.

Today Shavon & I took the four little ones - by little ones I mean that they aren't in school yet and are stir crazy in the house all day - to Jumpin' Jacks. They had a blast. Braxton slid down everything while Natalie was her usual cautious self. It was a fun way to spend the morning!

Happy New Year!!

Jason & Brax getting ready while the girls ran around

Natalie & Kayla chilling out

Braxton singing "Get Your Head in the Game"

Dylan singing something from Camp Rock

Natalie right before we left, I had curled her hair and she thought she was pretty neat!

We hope everyone had a fun and safe New Year's Eve. We went over to some friends house with the kids. John & Lori's kids are similar in ages to ours so it made it great. We ate pizza, salads, chips & salsa, deviled eggs, meatballs, sausages, cheesecake.... I don't need to eat again for a week. It was so fun. They got the Wii going with the sing-a-long. Dylan and Braxton did so great, especially Braxton considering that he can't read yet. Then the Guitar Hero Battle started. The two dads battled the boys. I am so proud of my three boys, Jason included. They are a talented bunch. Lori & I just sat back and watched while Natalie and Kayla danced around them as they played. We only stayed there until about 10. When we got home Jason lit off some fireworks to ring in the New Year early. I think we were all in bed by 11. I know, we're party poopers. I was too tired to make it. Ours was great and we hope that this new year brings happiness for you all.