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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!


As we celebrate during this Christmas Season and reflect upon the past year, we are grateful for the many blessings in our lives. Although our family has had many ups and downs during the past 18 months, our children continue to be the light of our lives and the joy and happiness that we celebrate!

Tanner (16) is a three sport athlete at Whitney High School. He was a starter on the JV Football Team as a Defensive Back, is a Varsity Wrestler and played on the Freshman Baseball Team. During his spare time he trained for and completed 2 triathlons. If that doesn’t make you tired, he continues to work on his Eagle Scout rank, is a great student and a wonderful brother. He is enjoying dating, driving and hanging out with his friends.

Taylor (16) is an up and coming actor. He made his High School debut as “Lumiere” in a production of “Beauty and the Beast”. He was one of two freshman cast in the play and was the star of the show in his lead role. He continues to perform with “Upstage”, a performing group, where he traveled to New York City this past summer. He even had an impromptu performance at a restaurant in Times Square. He is a great student and excels academically. He continues his progress towards Eagle Scout. He is enjoying his new freedom with a drivers license and dating. His mom is enjoying the fact that they can both drive as well, maybe even more happy than they are!

Riley (12) is a great baseball player, soccer player, flag football player, and wrestler. It’s hard to pick which one is his favorite or that he is best at because he is really talented in all areas. He loves being in Middle School and
enjoys hanging out with his friends. Great things come in small packages and if given a chance to watch Riley compete you will know what I mean. He is tough, resilient and doesn’t let even the tallest and biggest opponent scare him away. He has sent quite a few to the sidelines surprised by his tenacity.

Zach (9) loves to play baseball and soccer. He has found a new love of reading and we can’t seem to keep his book collection up to date. He loves to play with his friends, play video games and watch “Mythbusters” on television. He is such a joy in our life.

Chris is loving his new job but not enjoying the tremendous amount of time that he spends in the car. His true love is watching his children play football, soccer, wrestle and perform.

Katie is enjoying the little things in life that bring happiness. Always on the lookout for a new project or something to create. She enjoys updating our family blog, photography and trying to keep up with the boys and all their
activities and adventures.

May your family find peace and joy this Christmas Season!




Christmas Performers


Tonight is the Annual Upstage Christmas Show! These boys are sure handsome.

'tis the season


As the Christmas season came around this year, I didn't want the usual stress and craziness. I have tried to cut out some of the unnecessary things and vowed to sit down each night with the kids and enjoy the spirit. I am so happy that we have been together each night around the tree, reading scriptures and Christmas stories that are very touching. You can see it in the boys' faces each night as we pray, that they too are enjoying this time together. I hope your holiday is bringing your family special memories this year.

If we seem a bit absent this month from the blog, it is only because we are treasuring this time together. Merry Christmas!

The Scuba Experience at Catalina Island


Getting Ready to Dive!





In case you wondered if Riley had a good time, this picture will confirm it!





The Dive Crew: Taylor, Riley, Tanner, Andrew, Nick and their Instructor



day 245


Tonight was the last football game for Tanner's JV Season at Whitney High School. He had a great season and a fantastic last game. Some great tackles at very crucial times and an interception. Whitney came out on Top and beat Placer High School. We are so proud of him! Each week a player from each team is awarded a special award for different qualities. Tanner received two this season, one for respect and one for work ethic/hard work. To receive even one is an honor so to be the recipient of two awards is great! I love the qualities that he works so hard on. He is very much respected and admired by his coaches and teamates. The environment of a football team can be quite rough and Tanner knows that he stands outs amongst his peers and that is not always the easiest thing. He may not be the best athlete on the team but he certainly gives everything he does 200% and never ever gives up! He will retire his #7 jersey after this year, as the quarterback on Varsity is #7 but we look forward to what he will accomplish next year wearing a different number.
And now on to Wrestling Season!

days 242-244

Gratitude Daily . . .

We are leaving on vacation in a few days. I am looking forward to relaxing and enjoying the week.

Gratitude Daily . . .

So I found myself buried under a BIG project this past week. I have managed to climb my way out and am happy to say that I had a very successful "Home for the Holidays" Art boutique that I was a part of. My Gratitude Daily today and for the past couple of days is Creative Energy. I love when I have ideas flowing through my mind and the ability to create them and have a finished product. Photos coming soon of the project that I have done.

Gratitude Daily . . .

Good Health and that I am feeling really great! After year of ups and downs it's good to feel great!

Day 241 & Gratitude Daily . . .

Gratitude Daily . . . technology and the world that it opens up to us.


I downloaded some photos from the hard drive on my camera and this little gem came up and suprised me. I had forgotten this was on the camera. Don't you love it when that happens! It put a smile on my face and reminded me of why life is so good!

day 239 & 240

Gratitude Daily . . . Grandparents! They are so supportive! We love to have them visit!

It's been a while since we have done a Fall sports update. The boys are all doing great, winning some, losing some but having a great time. Whitney Football is doing great, The Wildcats won this weekend in a very convincing way. We are on to play the last regular season game next week and it's sort of bittersweet! Can you believe how quickly time is passing right now? I can't, it makes me a bit sad! I want to slow things down a bit.



Gratitude Daily . . .

A great friend to spend the day with. A soccer game and then a quick trip to Apple Hill and the day was wonderful!

day 238

Lots of fun & creative things going on at our house. Here is a sneak peak of just a few items. I am opening up an esty store and will let you know when everything is online. For those local, I am going to be at a Holiday Gift Boutique next week, November 14, 1:00-7:00, 4509 Mountaingate Dr, Rocklin.


Gratitude Daily . . .

Gratitidue Daily . . .I'm very tired tonight so I am very grateful for my comfortable bed :)!

Gratitude Daily . . .

Gratitude Daily . . . A hard-working Husband! We are all happy he is heading home today after traveling all week for work.

Totally Wicked!



Taylor and Lauren (his date) along with a group of other dates went into San Francisco to see Wicked Last night! If you know Taylor even a little bit, you know he LOVES Wicked! He was so excited to share this night with Lauren who has never seen it. Taylor has now seen it three times, twice in New York and once in San Fran.

day 237

Gratitude Daily . . . He is the youngest, and he is spoiled. He is sweet and loving, and he can be a challenge. He loves life, and he is so smart (when he wants to be). He is my baby and always will be and I think he is okay with that. We love you Zach!

day 236

Gratitude Daily . . . Taylor is an amazing person! He is so much like me that it is sometimes eerie and we both just laugh. He is so talented and it is fun to watch him grow and mature! He will do great things!

day 235

Gratitdue Daily. . . this wonderful young man. He always has a smile that makes you feel so good. He deserves his nickname of Smiley Riley for good reason!

day 234

SPOOKY!
Zach enjoyed his Halloween!


Gratitude Daily

. . . . . . .Sundays. It's nice to know there is a day set aside for rest.

day 233

Gratitude Daily . . .the little things in life that make me happy. Hot chocolate at the game last night when we were freezing!



Zach guarded the goal today in soccer. It was a great game and tied 0-0 up until the last minute when we scored on them. Way to go Zach!

day 232

Gratitude Daily . . . an amazing 16 year old who is also a great football player. We will watch him tonight against El Dorado High School. Go Whitney!

day 231

Gratitude Daily. . . . . .wonderful opportunities that my children have to learn and grow. We live in a fantastic community with great schools and programs.


day 230

Gratitude Daily.....a warm and comfortable home on this cold morning. We have enjoyed a beautiful Fall.

this photo has nothing to do with my gratitude daily today but WOW!, I am grateful for these guys!

day 229

Gratitude Daily.....a great 9 year old who has such a zest for life. His 4th Grade class exploded their volcanoes this morning.

day 228

Gratitude Daily is a month long gratitude journal that I am doing on facebook and am going to incorporate it into our blog. As we enjoy this beautiful time of year, it's important to reflect on all the things we are grateful for. It's hard to see what you don't have, when you are noticing all the things that you do.

Gratitude Daily......wonderful parents, thanks mom & dad!

day 227

day 226

Whitney High School Homecoming 2009







Whitney High School Homecoming 2009. We hosted dinner at our house and it was a great time. I am totally biased but I think these are two very handsome boys and 2 very beautiful dates.