a very loooonnng post. sorry

I have to do way too many of these catch up posts....But, we have been super busy.....with work, the holidays family and wrestling. It's pretty much all been good though, so I am not complaining.

We had a wonderful Christmas. J had to work Christmas Eve, and we were heading up to Bellingham as soon as he got off work, which was Christmas Morning, so...we had our Christmas a few days early so the kids could play a bit with their gifts before we left for a week.

As, I mentioned on facebook, I actually bought a fake tree this year. I HATE fake trees, but it was late in the season and I still hadn't had a chance to get the tree, and I didn't want to pay a bundle for a tree we used for a week! Anyways, I got a small one...it is cute, and convenient, and we will probably end up using it more than I want....But, I still love the real ones. We got this awesome family photo from J's parents! Ryan made the frame. I love love love it! and can't wait to get it up on the wall.

Kaleb got J this present. Can you guess what it was? Amazingly, J couldn't...I think until he felt it. I love the kids' creativity in gift wrap. btw, it's a belt.

Kas loved her pj's dad picked out.

We didn't realize Elijah's pj's were actually boxers. they were in a tabasco bottle bank. oops.

Kaleb's pj's were in a similar container...but a Guiness can. I told him that didn't give him permission to drink it.... ;) I just picked them for the Irish in him. We got the kids the WII for Christmas. Kas got a phone, so now we all have them. and We got the boy's each remote control helicopters.

We spent time in the new firehall....in the bays...flying them. It was fun!

Like I mentioned, we headed up to Bellingham Christmas morning. I loved seeing the packages in the cars on the road. I also loved seeing the houses with lots of cars in front...which meant families and friends were together. Of course we took the motorhome, so had a pleasant ride and got up to the families in time for Christmas dinner.

Shayne and my parents live up in the mountains, It is so beautiful, quiet and peaceful there. We had such a nice, much needed break from all the craziness of life.

For our Simpson gift exchange this year I had Jessie. So, I made her an afghan. I had a hard time finding the perfect pattern, but I did. and I loved it. I wanted something romantic, but not too dainty. I found this pattern that had hearts throughtout. I don't know if you can see them. but I LOVE it. In fact I think I will make one for myself....modified a bit.
do you see the little hearts?
I used a verigated yarn,which made a pretty pattern I think.

Jessie was very pleased. She'd made a masculine afghan for Jonny a few years ago, so, I thought she deserved a pretty one.

Monday after Christmas we went snowboarding. The snow was HARD and we all got a few injuries. but it was still fun. Here's the guys on their last run. Kaleb is behind J.

Snowboarding is a sport we all love alot.

Mt Baker resort.

Beautiful scenery.

We take the motorhome which makes it even more enjoyable.

I loved the drive... the frosty trees.

We were hanging out at Jessie's when Carrie exclaimed that J was such a redneck. I looked out the window and noticed he had MY towel and was wiping the dirt off the motorhome on the spots he wanted to put his bumper stickers! He didn't bother washing the whole thing. Just what he absolutely had too. It was soo funny.

I thought he was sweet letting the girls help though. He would ask their opinions on where they should go. It was super cute.

The boys had one day of class at the studio. Here they are practicing.

Carrie showed us how to make some super cute pendants she learned for a super saturday. We had so much fun...at Jessie's again. They guys went to see Sherlock Holmes.

here are some of them.

They were addicting to make. couldn't stop at just one or two. I think I ended up with 20 between Kas and me.

This photo cracked me up. Kas sleeping with her knee socks! For those of you who don't know...sleeping in socks is pretty much a gagger for me! I know she was doing this just to get me. HA jk!!!

Wednesday morning J and Kaleb left for home....for work and practice. They were a little excited for the ride...and I was just grateful that we had as much time as we did have together.

New Year's Eve was spent at Jessie's again. We had a good time, except that Carrie and Glenn were both miserably sick.

Food was the main event, as always. (and there was some healthy stuff there!)

Jessie has gotten into mediteranian stuff, which was yummy..

We tried deep fat fried ravioli. At first we were breading it and then frying, but all the breading came off in the frypan...so them we just fried them. They were good. If anyone knows the right way to make them, I would love some pointers.

And, our family tradition is MIGHTY MOOSE BITS which was a recipe my parents made up when I was very young and has been a family tradition for as long as I can remember. The first time they made them, they used venison...but we use beef now.

bite size beef chunks baked til tender (about an hour) dipped in pancake batter and then cracker crumbs (we used panko this time and they were very good and much easier)..and then fried til golden brown. Serve with ranch, or any other dip. Mom usually makes potato salad with them, and I usually serve them with the raw veggies and baked potatoes. but this year we just did total appetizers. It was wonderful and fun.

Here are some random photos ...Jonny with Kasidee's hat...

Kas with her pendants....

Mom and Jess.....

Amber with the hat I made her.....

We came home friday afternoon. When we were about an hour from home we got a flat tire....on the motorhome! We pulled off onto a good spot, thank goodness! and Kas, Elijah and I changed the tire. We called J and he and Kaleb came to assist, but they were an hour out....

and we had it changed in about 45 minutes!

Elijah is such a stud....did most of the remembering how to do it, and the harder work. I have awesome kids.

We all worked together and did it. I was soo pleased and J was beaming by the time he made it. (we waited for them).

Anyways, we had a wonderful holiday. I felt very blessed throughout it all.....that we could have such a good vacation, and awesome family, and great times.

Now we are back to the grindstone....but still blessed! ;)