A Visit from Aunt Sherry

We love Aunt Sherry!

Jug says she is the person that reminds him most of his Mom!

She is actually not our Aunt, but rather Mandi's 1st cousin...but since Mandi lived with her family during her teenage years they always felt more like sisters.

She is a genuine, sweet, southern lady!
We love when she comes to visit, and reminds everyone of their southern heritage!

It does remind us though, of how much we MISS Grandma Mandi!

And how much we wish our kids could know her...

thanks for filling in every so often Sherry!

Go Bulldogs! :)

Another year older...and WISER too?!

Well...the day has arrived.

I like how Reed it put it this morning...

"Mom, 40 is Sporty!"

Jug decided to celebrate by taking the WHOLE family to one our favorite places...

Texas Roadhouse!

A first for all them...and likely not to be a last!

Of course, they all loved it!

When I sat there and looked at my fantastic.."big", good- looking kids I decided it was a good thing I was FORTY!!

I am lucky for my life and all that is in it!

After dinner we went and watched Coleman's basketball team totally take Orem in overtime!

Then came home and indulged in Kaycee's Luscious Lemon Cream Cake she made for me!

Sooo....good!

Plus...

Hugs and Kisses from the kids....what more could a mom want??!

Good Bye 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

While Kaycee and Reed were out partying it up with their friends, Jug and I were lucky to have these three home with us to keep us company and welcome in the new year!!

(Coleman was super excited about banging pots in the cold 12:01am temps!)

Well, it looks like another year has come to a close.

2011 was an interesting year for our family.

We had our ups and downs, fun times and not-so-fun times, triumphs and agonies, our good-byes and hellos!
Looking back, I think we can really see more positives than negatives. I know for sure we all learned and experienced more than we had the previous year.
I believe that is one of the greatest gifts of mortality, being able to EXPERIENCE all things!
It gives us more appreciation for life and each other.
Our family motto this year was:
"No Regrets."
I hope we continue to remember to live each day to the fullest, to take time for the little things, and to look for God's hand in our personal lives every day.
If we do, I believe 2012 will be the best year yet!!