Happy Birthday Brad

My wonderful husband Brad, has his birthday on the 24th of December, so needless to say, he gets a little shafted on his day. I try really hard to help him have a great day. 
We had a big birthday breakfast for Brad and my Dad. One of Brad's favorite things is to wake up to a warm hearty breakfast! 
This picture is so funny! He was so excited about his new head stall that we bought in Vegas then gave to my Mom to wrap for his birthday. 
I love Brad more than anything. He is such a good husband. He works so incredibly hard, and he always makes sure that his family is a top priority in his life. I couldn't have asked for a better man. I'm so grateful for him in my life!! 

Christmas Catch Up

I got behind in my blogging...(is anything new really?) So, I'm trying to blog all the christmas festivities. 

My Dad's birthday is on Christmas Eve... poor guy! This year he turned the big 50!! So we planned a surprise party for him. Unfortunately, after the plans we're made, the guests invited. He had a double hernia operation scheduled for the day before. But the party had to go on. We all filed into the house, and tried to stay quite and away from his bedroom, where he laid in bed with the TV on loud. Susan went to get him, and we all gathered for the big SURPRISE! And boy was he, albeit a little embarrassed to be limping around in his pajamas, while all his friends and family were there. So, he went and got his robe on, then sat in a big comfy chair during the rest of the party. I'm so grateful for my Daddy in my life. He is such a wonderful Papa to my girl! I hope that he had a great birthday!! 

Leah and I spent the better part of an entire day making holiday treats. I had originally thought that these would take 3-4 hours at most, but when the project stared going on 8 hours, I got a little discouraged, and resigned my self to never making christmas treats AGAIN!! Honestly, I don't like my neighbors that much, and those that I do don't really need some candy from me to validate our neighborly relationship, right? Ok, I'm just a little bitter from wasting a whole day making these, but I they turned out alright, and Leah and I had fun delivering treats to our family members at their work. So, since I spent way too much time on them, I figured I should take pictures, because they looked really cute!! 


I don't know what Leah loved more, helping me sprinkle the suckers, or eating the sprinkles that were spread across the table and floor. Christmas Parties are always a fun event to look forward to! We both have such big families, so we have plenty of opportunities to celebrate the holidays together.  Here are some pictures from those parties!
We had the Knight family party the saturday after Christmas. Leah and Toby had so much fun being together, and loved all the attention they get from their Great Aunts and Uncles. Little Allie was there too, but the poor girl was so tired from the nap she didn't take :) and very shy around all the unfamiliar people. But it was so good to see her! 
We had the Butler Christmas party on the 23rd. Doug and Carol finally got their new house finished. So we all got together there. I could tell that Carol was so happy that she now has a house big enough that all her family can fit, with out sitting on laps! Santa and Ms. Clause came and sang songs and passed out presents. Leah loved seeing Santa, and loved her tiny magnadoodle. She sat on different laps and drew the rest of the night.  Of course, I couldn't sneak away without sitting on Santas lap. 
We had the Morgan Christmas party on the 22nd. It was a lot of fun, and a little crazy :) Due to planning, which obviously wasn't mine, we didn't have enough food. So, Potatoes Pearls to the rescue!! Got to love that food storage stuff! Santa showed up and Leah was so exited!! Toby, on the other hand, was not as happy. Santa almost dropped her because she was struggling so hard and screaming so loud. Yeah memories! 

Here is Leah with her cousins Tayler and Sara. If one of them wasn't holding her, than the other one was. There are days I wish I had a Tayler or Sara at my house to just play with Leah when I can't! She loves them.
One of the few pictures of my and my adorable husband. We had such a great time together during all the holiday festivities! 

Pretty Smiles

Gingerbread Houses

Our family has such busy schedules! Its almost impossible to get all the grandkids together, so when we finally have a chance, we make a party of it! We got to go to Grandma & Grandpa's NEW HOUSE!!! (they bought the most beautiful new home, and they have been remodeling it for a while, so we were excited that it was finally ready!..almost) 
We made gingerbread houses! Carol was so excited to have her first big mess :) It was a BIG mess. 
Then all the kids opened their presents from each other. Leah got a magnetic ABC's toy. But, the hit of the party was Wyatts sticky dart bow and arrow. He had a hard time waiting his turn because Brad, Justin and Brian all wanted to play with it first. hehe...

I love seeing all my nieces and nephews! It was so fun to be able to be at the new house! I can't wait till its all done. I told Carol that Leah and I are going to be playing in the playroom all winter long, and the back yard all summer long! 

They say the darndest things....Grandma's I mean

My cute Grandma is so hilarious! We spent the evening with her at a concert and dinner last night, and I was laughing so hard! So, I thought that I should record some of her funny moments. 

* Grandma said it perfectly, "I lost your Grandpa three years ago, shortly after that, I lost my mind." 

* After Grandma suffered from her mini-stroke, she had a hard time saying the right words. My Uncle was quizzing her, pointing at different objects asking her what the were called. She struggled with the word watch. She sat and thought about it... then excitedly said, "I know, Incest!" 

* When talking to her about our concerns with her living situation, she said " I'm really doing much better now, I can almost remember the entire english language! "

* During dinner she stared at them menu for a moment, then turned to me and said, "I just don't know what I want!" I looked over and realized that her menu was upside down. Then once she got the bill, she tried to sign her name, and again turned to me telling me her pen didn't work. I realized that she was writing with the wrong end :) 

* After the concert she was talking about how much she enjoyed the show. She said, "those men inspired me!" "How so?" I asked. "I realized that I can enjoy life!" She exclaimed. "Of course you can, why wouldn't you have been able to before?" "Well, I've just been sitting around waiting to die!"

* We were talking about the cowboys that performed my mom was talking about one of them who was single, "How do you know he's single?" I asked "Well, they said he was, and he wasn't wearing a wedding ring." Mom said. "I can't believe that a man so handsome and talented could be single." Grandma said. "Well,' mom continued, "Maybe he's gay." "No," Grandma said "Not with that deep voice." 

* We were heading on to the on ramp. I told Brad that he needed to "bust" across the four lanes. "Bust?" Grandma asked "What's Bust?" I explained to her what I meant by the expression. "Oh," she said, "I don't think I could ever bust." 

An Evening with the Girls and Santa

My cute mommy has become obsessed in recent years about getting her Santa picture. In the beginning, when it was just Me and Steph, we thought she was pretty silly, but now, with kids of our own, I look forward to our santa picture! 

Leah actually did ok with Santa this year. We've been talking about seeing Santa and giving him a hug, for a long time. 
Toby, on the other hand, didn't do so well. As long as Steph was holding her, she was ok. 
We headed to Red Robin for a big dinner. I love my girls. For most of my life, I was the only girl in the family (sides my mom of course) , but now we are out numbering the boys!! Having sisters is pretty great. 
This is Leahs "pretty smile" She squints her eyes and shows her teeth. It not the prettiest thing, but its so funny! 
Toby was so funny! I can't even describe it. She looks adoringly at her Mother, with her big sweet eyes, then Steph says, "Do it again..." and she pulls this  hilarious face. We were laughing so hard! Such a cutie! 
Thanks for going out with me, girls. You are some of my favorite girls in the world! 

Randomness

Heres a bunch of random pictures I've taken through out the month of November. Enjoy

Leah & I love our PJs. We will stay in them all morning, not out of laziness, but just for comfort. Why get all dressed up if your just cleaning all morning? Anyways, we were hanging out, when Leah ran out of her room wearing these boots. I don't know how she even got them on, but she walked around all morning with these boots on. Silly Girl. 
Leah LOVES Toby. She always gets so excited when I tell her that we get to see her favorite cousin. I love that these girls are such good friends. We always said that they will either be best friends, or they will fight and hate each other like sisters.  Probably a little both. 
Brad thinks I'm weird for liking this picture. "She looks sad." He says. But I love it. Aren't her big, blue eyes so beautiful? 
Leah let Daddy lay on her lap for such a long time. She would play with his hair as they watched one of the few of her favorite TV shows. 

VEGAS BABY!!

We had a total blast in Vegas this past weekend. We have always wanted to go to the NFR, and I don't know why we didn't do it sooner! It was so cool being there, the crowds were so loud. (and drunk :) hehe) We have so many Utah county boys who ride in the finals and they do so good!

We had so much fun hanging out together.  We ate ( we're the Fords, of course we ate) at the Cravings buffet-the best buffet in the world!-we went to the Shark Reef! We went shopping at two of the cowboy christmas expos, and spent way too much money :) 

After the Rodeo on Saturday night, we went out on the TOWN! I got to taste my very first In and Out burger, and I got to say, it IS as good as everyone says it is. Thanks to Justin for all the worthless information on california chain restaurants, born-again christens and the restaurant with the X and the O. :) We went to the South Point to watch the buckle ceremony. It was so crowded! I was pushed up against the wall while people were walking past me. Many times I stood face to face, almost nose to nose, with unfamiliar cowboys. Luckily, my very tall brother in law mike was standing by me, and we were in a cowboy club, or I would have felt very uncomfortable. (Cowboys are, in general, the most polite, gentlemanly group of people you can be around.) 
This was the perfect weekend. We were both in great need of some time away, and some FUN. We are already working on getting things arranged for next year-Better tickets, less ghetto hotel-I can't wait! Thanks family for having so much fun with me! 

Thanksgiving Day

(Blogger drives me crazy, why won't it upload pictures in the right order?) 

Ok, Thanksgiving day was a stuffed, crazy exhausting blast!

First, we went to Aunt Pam's for dinner with the Fords. The food there is always amazing!! It was sad as this is our first Thanksgiving with out Granny. Thanks Aunt Pam for letting us bombard your home. 

Leah and her ManA. She has this new "pretty smile" that cracks me up.

Then we went to Papas and Nana's house. It was great to be together at the house. As usually Papas smoked turkey was amazing, and Nana went overboard. We didn't complain though!! We were stuffed and happy! 

After hanging out, we headed to my Moms. Dinner there was fantastic, I saved up all my desert space to eat here. After eating soooo much, I really understand the meaning of turkey coma. We got home at 8:30 or  so and I went strait to bed! I was so tired! 
Leah and Toby are so cute. They love to hug and kiss! 
I'm so grateful for my family. I love Brad & Leah so much! I don't know what I would do with out them! 

Happy Birthday Mom

We had a great birthday with my mom. We all got together at Costa Vida! Of course, she had to have her birthday princess attire! (compliments of me :) 

We are so grateful to have Mom in our life. She is so happy and friendly. She would do any thing for us. We love her so much!! Hope you had a great birthday Mom! 

Blogging Boredom

High School Never Ends...

1. DID YOU DATE SOMEONE FROM YOUR SCHOOL? Yup. 

2. WHAT KIND OF CAR DID YOU DRIVE? I had a green Geo Metro, but Jeremy pulled my bumper off, then I got in  a wreck. After that, I had a cool blue Acrua. I still love that car.  

3. DID YOU PASS YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE TEST YOUR FIRST TRY? are you kidding me? Of course I did! 

4. WHERE YOU A PARTY ANIMAL? probably not in the traditional sense, no crazy police bashed parties, but more like night games, movies, and bored games. 
5. WERE YOU CONSIDERED A FLIRT? Uhh.. I dunno, I guess I could have come off that way to some people

6. WERE YOU IN BAND, ORCHESTRA, OR CHOIR? Choir!! All the years, plus Trouveres my senior year. Best thing I ever did! 

7. WERE YOU A NERD? Well, I was kinda bookish, got good grades, but I don't think I would have been considered a nerd.

8. WERE YOU ON ANY VARSITY TEAMS? Yeah right!

9. DID YOU EVER GET SUSPENDED/EXPELLED? Naw, my mom always called and excused all my slufs ;) what a cool mom!

10. CAN YOU STILL SING THE FIGHT SONG? did we have a fight song. I should know it since I was voted as Senior School Spirit!! 

11. WHO WERE YOUR FAVORITE TEACHERS? I had a love hate relationship with Mr. Dalquist. Ms. Scholl, not necessarily my favorite, but defiantly the most memorable. Seminary teachers are always the best.

12. WHERE DID YOU SIT FOR LUNCH? Just on any lunch table. But we did have a bench in the hall that was "our spot"

13. WHAT IS YOUR SCHOOL'S FULL NAME? Payson High School

14. WHAT IS YOUR SCHOOL'S MASCOT AND COLORS? Lions, Green & Silver

15. DID YOU GO TO HOMECOMING AND WITH WHO? Yes, with Daniel Palmer, and Robert Kitteridge ( Junior and Senior years) Then with Tyler Stone to Spanish Forks home coming. 

16. IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND DO IT AGAIN WOULD YOU? No, it was fantastic, but I'm glad I'm done. 

17. WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT GRADUATION? Actually, bad memories. All I wanted was a picture of me and my group of friends in our caps and gowns, and I worked hard to arrange everyone to meet after the ceremony. But I couldn't find my mom with my camera, and by the time I got her, everyone had already met, taken a picture (with out me) and left. I was so upset, that I was crying. In all my other pictures, I look like a mess. I still makes me sad to think about it. 

18. WHERE DID YOU GO SENIOR SKIP DAY? Um, I really don't remember..

19. WERE YOU IN ANY CLUBS? Honor club, FLCA (something like that) 

20. HAVE YOU GAINED SOME WEIGHT SINCE THEN? Yes and no. I've gained and lost ( thats what happens when you have a baby) but I'm currently at the same weight. 

21. WHO WAS YOUR PROM DATE? I went 3 years, Blake Christensen my sophomore year, and Brett Hone my junior and senior year
22. ARE YOU PLANNING ON GOING TO YOUR 10 YEAR REUNION? Well, my 5 year reunion in May was lame (just because none of my friends showed up), so hopefully my 10 year will be better. 

23. DID YOU HAVE A JOB IN HIGH SCHOOL? Yes, Fast Gas!! I also did Occupational Therapy for an adorable little down syndrome girl. 

In Honor of Thanksgiving

The ABC's of Thanksgiving

A* Attitudes, makes or breaks your day! 

B* Brad, Books, Brothers, blogging

C* Church, my computer, Creative Signs & Graphics(our way of life), cameras

D* Daddies, Dr. Peppers, day dreams

E* Entertainment, wether provided, or in my head. 

F* Family, Friends, The Francis' , fall

G* The Gospel, Girlfriends, little girls, goals, Grandparents

H* Home, Horses 

I* Internet (I would die without it) In-Laws, I love mine! Ice cream, 

J* Jesus Christ

K* Kids, Kissing

L* Laughter, Love, 

M* Mommy, Marriage, Music, Musicals, Movies, my mac

N* Naps ( the only way I survive!)

O* being OUT of debt, 

P* Presents, prayer, photography, phones, patience

Q* Quite time

R* Roping (I'm glad my husband loves it) , Reading, Restaurants

S* Summer time, school, scrapbooking, sisters

T* Toby, Twilight, TV,

U* Utah, loves this place! 

V* Visiting, vacations

W* Wishes, wardrobes, writing

X* X-tra money! 

Y* You, all my blog stalkers, the young women, I couldn't ask for a better calling.

Z*Zebra patterned stuff-such a fad!- 

HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Family Pictures

I'm late posting this, but we finally got our family pictures taken. My friend Triana has a photography business, and I won a free sitting. She did such a great job. The shoot was soooo fast! (Always a bonus since Leah was done long before we were) She did a good job getting Leah's attention, and as you can see, the pictures turned out great. I got tons more than this and all of them on a disk with full copy wrights. If you are interested, please visit 

http://blog.trianaordphotography.com/ 

Tell her I sent you! 

As far as the scrapbook page goes, I made that. I have been scrapbooking like a maniac! Once I get them finished, I'll have to post a bunch of them. I have been doing some really cute things! 

Girls Night Out and TWILIGHT!!!

Last Thursday night was freakin' fantabulous!! First, we had a great GNO! We went up to the Texas Roadhouse. It took a long time by the time we left home, and actually started eating, but it was well worth the time spent! My Moms birthday is on Monday, so the waiters came to do their own unique version of a Texas Happy Birthday, and gave her some free ice cream. As you can see, my mom doesn't mind the attention to much! 

Getting my family together isn't always easy, but we are trying to make it happen more often. I love my family. I gotta say, there isn't anything better in this world that Aunts. If you need any thing done, call your Aunts! They are so fabulous. I hope that me and my sister in laws are as close as my Aunts all are! 

Believe it or not, the best part of the night was yet to come. After dinner, Mom, Maria, her friend Katelynn and I went to the mid night showing of TWILIGHT!! It was such a great night. We waited in line for a while, then they let us in the theater about an hour early. So all of us "Twilighters" sat patiently, but excitedly for our movie to start. Which it finally did (about 15 minutes late) then the sound didn't come on until right before the movie came on. Then about 15 minutes into the movie, the freaking fire alarm went off!! I'm talking movie off, lights on, siren blaring, and a message repeating "You are in extreme danger, exit the building or die." (or something similar) But do you think the simple threat of imminent danger would tear all the die hards away from their year long anticipated movie, you'd be wrong. No on moved!!! We took our chances with the fire, refusing to loose our seats! Talk about dedication. I can see the headlines now..."Death by Twilight!" Crazy fans! Luckily it seemed to be a false alarm and the movie started a few minutes later! 

As far as the movie went! I LOVED IT!!!! Sure, it was different than the book, and of course Edward was nothing like he is in my head, but it was great. Yeah, I could totally pick the movie apart and say that the make up was way too over done, it was obvious that the film was low budgeted, Bella started to bug me so much (I mean some emotion please woman!) But I will just separate the movie from the book, and enjoy it for what it was! I would defiantly go and see it! 

On my mind...

I usually don't watch the news, but with recent happenings with the elections lately, I can't help it, and I was struck with such a realization as to what a terrible world this can be. I can't help but think that God, looking down on us, must be so sad with the choices we (as a whole world) have made. Focusing my thoughts so much on all these things can get overwhelming and scary. I was talking about these things with Stephanie, my sister in law. We jokingly said that we just want to move to a ranch somewhere in the middle of no where and cut our family off from all the out side world. It can be daunting to face the responsibility of raising a family in a world where there is so many terrible things storming about.  As we were discussing some of our fears and concerns, she shared with me some council she had once received. It said that she would raise her family in a time of great wickedness. But it was her responsibility to make sure that she, and her family, are standing strong in the midst of that storm that would surely rage about them. That they must do those simple things: reading their scriptures, holding family  home evenings, going to church & LIVING those principles, if they would then they could stand firm with the Lord. Although the world seems to have lost all sense of right and wrong, if we can stand true to the principles that God has set forth for us, then we can stand face to face with Him one day, and know that we have done what we were supposed to do. I felt such comfort from that counsel. I know that things are going to get bad before they get better, and sometimes that is daunting, but if I can hold on to the things I KNOW to be right, then I will stand worthy in the sight of God and that matters so much more than what the world thinks of me. I am grateful that I know what is right and wrong, and if I am ever unsure, I know where to turn to get my answers. I can't imagine living in this world and not having that solid true foundation to stand upon. Be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works (Mosiah 5:15) Thanks Steph, for chatting with me, and thanks to all my friends and family for being strong, good examples in my life! 

On a lighter note, the other day our Young Men and Young Women did a Thanksgiving Scavenger hunt. We went around our neighborhood asking for food donations to give to families in need this Thanksgiving. This year, we even asked for Turkeys, something we didn't do before. I was so amazed when every one got back, at the amount of food that was brought in!!! Our floor was scattered with food, we even brought in about 15 turkeys! I was floored! I thought we would get 4-5 turkey maybe. It was so great! What a great neighborhood I live in! Everyone was so generous in their giving, I was feeling so grateful for my calling, for working with my amazing girls, and for my neighborhood! 

Pheasant Hunting

On the day after halloween we all went out for the opening of the Pheasant Hunt. I guess the hunting was pretty lame, but we had a great time hanging out in the field eating lunch together

Grandma with Brianna, Leah, Kanyon, Wyatt & Molly
Poor Leah, she didn't feel good at all. She got out of the car, into Kami's arms, and stayed there the whole time. You know she didn't feel good, when she was watching all the kids and dogs play around, and didn't even try to get up. I felt so bad for my baby.
The kids out with Brian. It was so funny watching them run out with him to plant the birds, the RUN back as fast as they could.
I love my  hubby. It was fun to get out with him and the family. Sorry you were bummed about the crappy hunting!  

Morgan Halloween Party

The day after Halloween we had our big, crazy Halloween Party! Its held at my Dad & Susans hosue (aka the big house) and everyone comes and gets dressed up. Its so insane, but lots of fun. 

ok, let me explain... Brad usually doesn't like to dress up, but he was such an amazing sport, and said that I could dress him up this year! I was so excited and I worked so hard on getting him an awesome costume. Leah was tinkerbell, I was peter pan, & Brad was Captain Hook. He looked great too (wig, mustache, everything!) Well, my poor little baby girl  was not feeling well that day. She'd already thrown up twice. So, we get to the party, all decked out and Leah turns her head to Brad and....yup! Puke all down the front of him, all down the front of her. We had to get them both undressed. Brad borrowed my dads shirt, leah took a bath and got in Tobys pjs.I was so bummed...I didn't even get one picture! Needless to say, with out my other characters, no one knew who I was supposed to be :( 
This is Dog the bounty hunter, Beth, antother one of the posse, and the bad guy (AKA Dad, Susan, Luke & Kolton)...
Wilma, Pebbles & Fred Flinstone (aka Steph, Toby & TJ)
Two Gladiators & a roman princess (Jason, Brittney & Bridger)

Don't Tase Me Man!

Ok, as I said, my family parties are INSANE. And here is proof. A conversation happened between my dad & my uncle matt (batman) about tasers. So Matt asked to be tased. As quick as the words escaped his mouth, a circle had formed. So my Dad gave him a very tiny, 1/2 second shock...and this is what you get! Pure entertainment!  

A Cop & Robber (uncle max & aunt becky) 3 boxers & a witch (Mckenzie, Mason, Spencer & Sydney)
A Heroic family. Uncle Matt, Aunt Michelle Bronco, Mckayla, Briella, Nastassja. 
A sexy sailor (my step sister Ashley)
And, Satan himself (Keynan)
Wow...It was a crazy night. At least I won an honorable mention and got to come home with a giant (I mean huge) tub of cheese puffs! (Does that count as food storage?)