Merry Christmas!!

We had a wonderful Christmas.  It is sad it's over.  

 Ryan's mom got a new cricut and made us cards to try it out.

 We went to my parent's for Christmas Eve.  We had a wonderful dinner, program, and presents.  Carson told jokes and Wyatt rode his stick horse.  The annual nativity at my mom and dad's house.

 All the grandkids!  I love how they lined themselves up.

 The older grandkids doing a kickline?? 

 Wyatt and his pals.  You would have no idea he is the oldest. 

 The littlest boys.  They almost look like triplets!  They are wild little men.  Sorry about your decorations, Mom!

 Christmas morning I woke before the kids.   Carson's favorite gifts were his skateboard and football.

 Wyatt hasn't stopped playing his DS and loves getting on his wooden buckin' bull. 

Easton got a vacuum that he loves.  I wish it was real then my house would be really clean!  He also loves his choo choo train.

 The boys also got bean bag chairs.  Wyatt calls it his "yump of coh" (lump of coal).  Good observation buddy!

 All dressed up for church.  Handsome little guys!  I got put in as the primary chorister.  I am very excited and also very nervous too. 

 Wyatt and Easton in their new clothes. 

Merry Christmas!!

Love you, Grandpa!!

(Grandpa Sheldon & Grandma Judy holding Wyatt on his blessing day June 2007)
I am so grateful that I got to spend a lot of time with my grandparents when I was growing up.  Even though I was at their house most of the time because I was in trouble and my mom needed a break from me, I was able to get to know my grandparents and develop a special bond and relationship with them.  My grandpa has been sick for a while and needed emergency surgery only a few weeks ago and wasn't able to recover.  He passed away this past Thursday, December 15.  It has been so hard knowing he was suffering. 

My grandpa was very humble, loving, and very supportive.  He was there for my graduations, marriage, and even visited me in the hospital with all three of the boys.  He never said a cuss word; he would say "son of a gun".  He loved ice cream.  He could fix anything.  He loved the outdoors--hunting and fishing especially.  He would take us on his boat and let us drive his fourwheelers and snowmobiles on his farm, which was so much fun.  I even remember him pulling some of my teeth when I was Carson's age.  I loved playing cards with him and going on the many vacations and camping trips.  Some of my favorites were Disney World, Flaming Gorge, and of course, the church history tour when I drove with them in a motor home clear across the country and back (with Gib, so don't be too jealous). 

He always would join us for Christmas Eve at my parents, which will leave such a void this year and years to come.  I am going to miss him dearly.  He is an amazing example to me.  My grandparent's love for each other was so awesome and if Ryan and I make it 62 years together and love each other the way they loved each other, then we will have it made.  It's times like these that I really hope what we believe is true and we will all be together again.  I love you, Grandpa!  We will miss you so so much! 

(Me, Easton, Grandma, Grandpa, Wyatt, & Carson:  April 2011 stayed in St. George with them on our way to California)

Congratulations Ry Baby!!

After 10 weeks of intense training, Ryan graduated from POST (police academy) on December 15th.  His work put him through LEO training since he is a transportation officer, which requires him to carry a gun and wear a ballistics vest at work.  He received a few battle scars from defensive tactics and being shot at (with Sim rounds), but otherwise survived just fine.

 He got to shoot through 3000 rounds of ammo, drive police cars, test peeps for how drunk they were, perform scenarios, and perform a lot of physical training and defensive tactics.  One such PT workout would include:
200 air squats
200 sit-ups
200 push-ups
20 flights of stairs
and of course running!

 Class #293 (They are in different uniforms because they all work for different agencies across the state.)

 We are so proud of Ryan!!  I really wanted to just run up and kiss him!  The boys think it is so cool seeing him in uniform with his gun.  Oh, they worry me!  (Carson decided to go to school since it was pajama day and he is working on a 100% attendance for the year.  :)  We missed him!)

 Proud parents of the grad!

 Taking oath

Receiving his certification.  Way to go Babe!  You made me proud.  And did I ever tell you how HOT you look in your uniform!  Whoa baby!!  :)

Santa Baby

Our ward had Breakfast with Santa and the boys got to sit on his lap.  Santa goes to church with us, so the boys think that is so cool when they see him.  I remind them frequently that he is always watching and they better be good!

 Easton jumped right up there and wasn't shy one bit.  I was surprised, but he is in a phase where he prefers men.

 Wyatt was so shy and wouldn't talk.

I just wish he would have scared Carson a little into working a bit harder on being good. 

We are very excited for Christmas and this was a super fun morning to get the season started!

A way to a man's heart really is through his stomach...

Carson asked me what was for dinner.  I told him pumpkin waffles with apple cinnamon syrup (thanks to Amber).  His reply...oh I just love you so much Mom!