ALL WRAPPED UP IN ONE!!!

This past weekend we had a house full which is my absolute favorite thing especially when it's my family staying! My sister came up w/her beautiful kiddos and my parents made it as well! We played games, went sledding, had tons of leftover's from the Baptism and the kids loved the hot tub!! They all came for one very special event--you might think Valentine's, or President's weekend, well nope it was our Brooklynn's Baptism on Saturday and happened to be Valentine's day and I made it on President's weekend so my family could make it and stay a little longer than normal since it's so far away! It all worked out perfectly! Well we had some delays and didn't start the Baptism at it's normal time but it happened and it was very special and the spirit was there! There was a big snow storm that morning so some family coming from the Salt Lake area got there later than usual b/c of weather delays but everyone there was so great and patient and it reaffirmed how much I love those people! Family, friends, neighbors, ward members however we know them they were all so loving and patient and we really appreciated you being there and understanding the circumstances! All the children that were there did so much better than expected as well I couldn't believe it, that's how I knew the spirit was there and it was so special!

We're so proud of our little girl who took this next BIG step in her life and hope she knows how much we all love her and are so proud of her! Thanks to all that came up from far away or even close by we love you all! And thanks to my family for making sacrifices they didn't "have" to make to be there to support their grandchild/niece!! Especially my great sister who didn't get to be w/her hubby on V-day I know how much of a sacrifice that is and we are so grateful for you and your support! Notice my V-day gift in the pic's--love flowers and love getting them so thank you hunny for getting them for me I love you and appreciate all you do and "put up with" ;) Your amazing!!!

And here are the fun memories captured while playing outside in the snow storm!! We didn't let a stupid snow storm stop our fun plans--no way! The kids LOVED it and I actually had TONS of fun as well! I sometimes wimp out when it comes to sledding/being in the snow...But I went out and did it and LOVED it! I love living right down the street from a perfect sledding hill--way nice! Our friends that came up for the Baptism from SLC joined us so we had to makeshift out of the snow gear we had left for their kids and that was pretty funny since we had to duct tape both the toddler's gloves to them around there coat but hey it worked perfectly and you do what you gotta do to have fun, right!!?? I think I am ready for the snow to stop though but as I look out the window and it's stormy again I'll have to say I don't think it's going to anytime soon :(


So I promised better pics of the house we're building so here are some more! Still not the best one's b/c the siding was being put up when we were there so of course I'll get one w/it all done next time but you get the idea w/these pics! The first inside picture is of the kitchen, then the dining area, living area and master bedroom. It's hard to really see or tell w/out anything in there but at least you can see walls up which make it look tons different than just the framing! As of today they are putting the texture up on all the walls and the finish work will be started this week so it's running along pretty smoothly and is still on schedule!!

Brian wanted to practice making homemade rootbeer for Brooklynn's Baptism so he tried it out one night and it was a lot of fun for the kids! Brooklynn and Spencer couldn't get enough of the cool steam and bubbles coming out of the thermos! It was really good and now knew how to make it for the Baptism which made him and everyone else very happy!! He got many compliments on it and of course all the sugar he had in it didn't help at all I'm sure ;) Thanks to dad for helping him make it the morning of the Baptism since he made 2 huge thermos's of it but it made for plenty of leftover's which we of course drank almost ALL of it!

Our new nightly routine has really helped nightime to be much easier than it was!! Brooklynn and Spencer now get to brush their teeth at the same time and Spencer mimmicks his sissy while doing so and it's soooo cute! He really looks up to her and I think it's so special. Then sissy reads him a book in his room which in the beginning went very well but now he still loves it just get's too ansy and has to have his own book in his hands while she reads another one! So picky... Then we all say our prayer's together and we tried getting Spencer saying his prayer on camera and video but of course doesn't do it so I'm gonna have to hide it and have it ready to go so I can capture the cutest prayer I've ever heard! He makes us laugh everytime! Then daddy puts Spencer to bed and I put Brooklynn down. It works out so well to have daddy involved in all aspects and it has really helped me out tremendously and I'm so thankful for it Brian!! I also know Spencer and Brooklynn are benefiting from it as well!!

So I know this was over 2 weeks ago but I had to post it since "my team" won!!! We had a super bowl party at our house and it was an awesome game! Brian smoked brisket and prime rib for dinner which were both amazing!! Our friend Kris thinks he needs to open up shop w/all his great smoking and homemade rootbeer technique's!! I love when he does it everything turns out so yummy, I say bring it on!!! The night ended w/me and Brian very happy cause my Steeler's pulled it out but the rest of the clan was routing for of course Arizona and all left not so happy! I can't help that my Steelers rock--all except for one mean steroid maniac player!! My father in law even brought his china that has a cardinal on it to try and have his good luck...great effort though--sorry! Well not really but I am in the way that I know losing sucks and I hate it so I did feel bad in that sense! Anyway it was a fantastic game and got us all up out of our seats... Way to go Steelers :)