Our car got stuck!

Snow Day!!!

Today we watched "Christmas with the Kranks" (which is a great movie), then played games, went to pick up Jordan from scouts got stuck in the snow, it took several guys to get us out so the boys and I walked to the park to go sledding -luckily we were already geared up! Brandon, after getting out, drove home which is just down the street, couldn't get up our driveway so he walked to the park with AJ to sled with us. Sledding was a blast!!! I love it!! So much fun!! Then we walked home, built our first snowman, shoveled the driveway and tried to get the car back into the garage ( a neighbor came to help with his mini snowplow attached to his 4 wheeler) So now we are back inside and it has been a wonderful day and can you believe it -- IT'S STILL SNOWING!! Now we couldn't even get down the street without getting stuck so.... how are going to get to San Diego!?!?!?!?

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.....

Caroling! A great Family home evening (outdoors)

We had a great time tonight!!! We went over to the Moreau's with several other families from their ward, made christmas cookie plates, then split into groups and went door to door until they hit everyone on their list. It was especially nice for us -- because we didn't know any of these people (we are in a different ward and stake) so that made it exciting. The boys were way more into it than I thought they would be. It was probably in the teens temp. wise (since it was in the low 20's during the day) so the icy chill was surely there but we didn't mind. It was so fun, walking and singing together and if anyone knows Karens she's a lot of fun to be around. It was a super perk for me because I got to hold her baby tonight and I just LOVE babies!!! The boys helped to ring doorbells, pass out plates and being some of the first to arrive at the door -- even Noah, he wasn't shy at all!!!! The boys love singing and actually Aidan had asked a couple of weeks ago if we would go caroling as a family-- so wish granted. They loved it-It was great! Later we went back to Karen's house to drink hot apple cider, hot chocolate and snack on the extra goodies. It was a nice night : ) Don't you just love Christmas time....sigh...

Sub 4 Santa

I just wanted to take a moment to share what an incredible program Sub 4 Santa is. Last Christmas our family was one in need and it was so incredible to have the community reach out and help. It touched our hearts so much and we considered the whole experience a Christmas miracle. We learned and grew so much from the love that was shared with our family. We do know without a doubt that Heavenly Father is aware of our needs, hopes and desires. Its not the gifts that matter it is the love and incredible spirit that is felt. One that is etched in our hearts forever. By the way we participated in Sub for Santa this year and it has been such a wonderful experience!!! Last year we were recipients and it was my goal this year to give back and sponsor a family. At first we didn't have that much to spend may be $30-$50 so we couldn't get a ton of stuff but with sales you can really make the money stretch. So we received family #35 a single dad who has been living in his car when his ex wife dumped all 4 kids off at the car and had had it- ages 4, 5, 6,& 7 it really touched my heart. SO we dug into our pockets a little further and spent a bit over $80 and got so many things off the list, clothes, hair ties, toys etc etc So for FHE we talked about the true meaning of Christmas and how we get to be "Santa" to another family (who will never meet us) we wrapped it all together with great love in our hearts then dropped the presents off at the coordinators house and went out to dinner. It was a great night one we will always remember and such a great lesson for the kids. I told them that they would get less this year in order to participate and they fully agreed that it was a good and fun cause and that they too wanted to contribute. We are very hopeful that next year we will be able to contribute even more. It has truly brought the spirit of Christmas into our home and has made the holidays seem warmer and brighter.And by the way at our house Santa doesn't bring much. We all give each other presents Noah buys something for everyone, Jordan , Aidan etc( I shop with each of them), Then Brandon and I get them a ton (too much most of the time) and Santa just brings ONE toy unwrapped that they find Christmas morning and the stockings of course. SO Santa isn't too big around here we focus on us being Santas to each other. The true meaning of Christmas is in the giving not the getting. We are so grateful that Heavenly Father gave us His son as our brother, our friend and our Savior it is up to us to mimic this behavior and give to one another as a symbol of our love and gratitude for each other and Jesus Christ. May you all have a very Merry Christmas!

My newest nephew!!

Our family is expanding!! We are happy to announce that Carla and David had their baby tonight at exactly 6:11pm, a baby boy, 8 lbs. 3.5oz his name ...drum roll please...

EVERETT JOHN SZELES!!!

Mother and baby are doing great and dad too : )

David's a father can you believe it!!!!

More Thanksgiving pics!

We need to find a three legged turkey. We have 3 boys and only 2 drumsticks!!

Happy THanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!!! Hope you all had a WONDERFUL holiday! Thanksgiving was interesting this year. Brandon had a fever of 102 and was in bed all day!! He made an apperance to take pictures, carve the turkey, ate a couple bites of salad then threw up and went back to bed!!! So just me and the boys. ; ) We watched the thanksgiving day parade, a little football, jon and kate plus 8, went walking at the park then I took them to see Madagascar 2 !! they loved it!! I tried to keep them as entertained as possible I still wanted it to be a happy day. So without Brandon as our big eater we have a TON of left overs. I baked 3 pumpkin pies, chocolate cream pie and 4 mini pumpkin loaves with an orange glaze and all the usual turkey day stuff . I enjoy the cooking just wish more could enjoy it. We asked the boys to complete this sentence.... "thanks for giving"..... And we kept going around and around the table it was cute, especially noah.So hopefully Brandon can eat some turkey tomorrow. I need a healthy family ASAP!! ; )By the way we are so grateful to have each of you in our lives. You are such a blessing to us!! Miss all of you !!! Happy holidays!

Love,
~Jackie

San Diego

It was GREAT to run away for a week for some R & R.
Beautiful Sunny San Diego what more can I say!!!! It was wonderful!!!!

Noah!

How many kids can say, especially at 3 years old, that have been in a car, on a plane, traveled on 2 different boats, been in 2 different states, went from 40 degrees to 87 and went on a bike cruiser all in one day?!?!! Not too many!

Saturday was incredible!!! I will have pictures to post soon!! I think Noah had a very memorable day and is very lucky to experience all that : )We are in San Diego for a little R & R (rest and relaxation) and so far so good!!!

The first REAL SNOW!

This past Wednesday,we woke up to such a shock especially considering the beautiful warm weather we were all enjoying just a few days before. Snow, snow and more snow. We knew it would snow eventually but we thought it would be gradual , a light snow, and then bam. Oh it was soooo pretty, cold for sure, but pretty. We loved looking out the window to see the piles and piles of what look like cool whip. My boys, unfortunatley have outgrown all their snow gear so we're really not prepared. They wanted to go sledding so bad but considering they had been sick all week it was out of the question. Noah kept starring out the window and said "It's Christmas, it's Chirstmas!!" It was adorable! Brandon shoveled the drive way to go to work and by afternoon, since we have a south facing lot, the rest of driveway and sidewalks had completely melted. Its so nice we always joke that its winter over at our neighbors house across the street and still fall for us. We have lush green grass, our leaves have barely begun to fall etc etc. Now, a few days later, we still have small patches of snow on our yard and are prepared for the next snow- we bought new boots, took the coats, gloves, beanies etc out of storage and are ready to go. And yes the sleds are waiting anxiously in the garage to be ridden! Winter is well on its way!

Our Dear Aidan

Aidan was baptized on October 11th. It was beautiful! It couldn't have been more perfect. We are so grateful to have Aidan in our lives. We love him so much and are so happy with the decision HE has made to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

My Mother!

I love my Mom. She is amazing!!! I admire her so much. She has lived in this country for more than 25 years without the ability or choice to vote and today was her day!!! She recently became a citizen and was so excited to have a voice, to have a choice and participate in this historic event. She called me this morning with such excitement and enthusiasm. She had just come back from voting and was so happy!!! We should all feel this way. We take it for granted. Her excitement was contagious and immediately I felt a burst of joy as odd as it may sound that I too was about to head out that door and vote. I am so proud of her. She captures all that is beautiful and I love her for that : )

Money

They say money can't buy happiness ...but it sure helps!! I'm so thankful that the gas prices are going down!! We were spending a ridiculous amount of gas especially Brandon for work. I remember a time when I would do my online banking and it wasn't a chore, there was barely any math involved, nothing to figure out just click click click all bills paid with money left over. IT WAS WONDERFUL!!! I really really miss that. Let's hope for a better future!!

What's growing on your cutting board?

That's our little slogan for our business. As mothers we all like to be as "germ-free" as possible. AND since they teach reduce, reuse, recycle in the schools and our communities we are proud to say that we make our cutting boards and trivets from left over corian countertop pieces that would otherwise be waste. Besides Corian is the best!!It lasts a lifetime ; ) Anyway we are at the BattleCreek Boutique this weekend in Pleasant Grove until 5pm. We have boards ranging from $10 upto $30 depending on size and style. The Paddles are the most popular. Great for entertaining. If you are looking for a great Christmas present or something for yourself you can always look through our selection!

Tammy and Baby "Justin"

Tammy and Jeremiah Congratulations!!! We are so excited and happy for you!!!
Preston and Natalie congrats on a new baby brother!! He's very cute!! Love you!!

My newest Nephew!

This is my newest nephew "Baby Green" for now since they haven't decided on a name ; )


Date of birth: October 21, 2008

Birth statistics: 8 pounds , 5 ounces, 21 1/2 inches

Parents: Tammy, Jeremiah Green

Letting go and having FUN!!

I absolutely LOVE my Dad!!! He gets so silly sometimes and it's GREAT!!!!!

Sometimes you've GOT TO DANCE!!

Girls Night out!
Cousin Lisa, Rabeka and I went out for a little fun Sat. night. We went to CLUB Habits in Salt Lake. And from the pictures you can tell that we had an awesome time. It was SOOO MUCH FUN!!!!

More Cousins!

Here is Tammy 35 weeks pregnant with baby #3! Doesn't she look great!! She's having a boy. And above is a super cute picture of her other children Preston and Natalie. I'm so glad that our family is expanding!! Let's not forget that Nikki and Carla are also expecting and yes with more boys!! And we do love our dear Kiyah!!! (Nikki's beautiful daughter-they boys love it when she comes over!)) It's just so exciting for us and the boys to have cousins and build those relationships! We love you all!