The Infamous Dragon

This dragon has become famous in our family. I started it about six months ago, but I didn't realize how large it actually was. I got very discouraged by Todd kept pushing me to get it done. And I'm glad he did cause it's awesome, Gary Boy loves it, and I've been complimented over and over again. Making stuffed toys is a whole lot more work then afghans, but they are so much more rewarding. I love seeing the character come out as they come together, and I especially love seeing them played with. Just so you know, if you ever receive one of my creations make sure you use it. I'd rather see a worn out item because it had been well loved versus a perfect project that's sat on a shelf... I just wanted that known for the record!

Click here to check out my other crocheted creations.

Playing with Light Sabers

The other night Todd took the kiddos outside in the dark to have a light saber "fight" so of course I was right behind them with my camera. I had a lot of fun playing with the aperture to see what abstract images we could come up with. Even the kids thought this was fun! But even when I was done taking pictures they were not ready to come in, so the Light Saber Battle continued!

Our December

What a month December was! And I know it's January, but I wanted to let the world know what we've been up to anyways! This first picture is of the nativity put on by cousins and second cousins at the Young Family Christmas Party! I am very grateful to Grandma Young for putting on this party every year! It's fun to watch the kids grow, especially now that Gary boy will actually participate in the nativity!

On December 17th we headed up north for more family parties... another of my favorite traditions: Grandma Norma's Christmas Party! It just wouldn't be Christmas without it! It's getting

harder to put on the nativity with this family, but with three new grandchildren (great grandchildren to Gma & Gpa) in 2011 hopefully in a couple years it'll be much easier to fill the roles! This year we had

to use Brenda as one of our wise men! Then Santa AND Mrs. Clause came by! They were a hoot!

We were going to head home Monday the 20th, but a huge storm rolled in. After rolling our truck three years ago in December (on our way up for the Montgomery party) we are much much more cautious

about what conditions we drive in! So we decided to stay up and wait out the storm. What a good choice that was! Turns out, the snow is actually fun when you don't have to deal with it every day! I was grateful

to get this picture of Todd and Gary boy shoveling Grandpa Larry's driveway since I have one of my daddy and me in about the same spot and everything (although I was about a year and a half) AND I have

one of Liv and her daddy doing the same! I'm sentimental like that! Us big kids ended up having a snowball fight, I'm surprised to say I thought that was super fun! And we all worked together to make Mr. Snowman! Which Todd and Aaron helped the kids shoot him with their soft air guns, so he ended up covered in colorful little balls!

Also while we were stuck in Salt Lake we decided to go see the temple lights. This was my idea, but I don't know what I was thinking! Pregnant lady plus cold plus lots of walking didn't really turn out to be the best combination! But I think we all had a great time! Unfortunately Grandma Linda wasn't able to join us because she had been fighting an infection all week. But it was okay because she

was finally feeling better (because of all the rest) to join us for present unwrapping the next morning.

So Christmas Eve morning we were able to unwrap presents with my family before we headed home! I love actually seeing people unwrap the gifts I've picked out for them! The kids got all sorts of fun stuff

including a Tiana doll for Liv and an Iron Man action figure for Gary! But the best gift for Todd was ribbon candy! He loves the stuff, but it's hard to find! We were spoiled!

Before we headed home, though, we were able to go to the Dodge family party. I was happy to join them there since originally we were the only part of Gary and Karlene's family that wasn't planning on going. But since we stayed through the storm we were able to go without making a special trip. Plus, we finally got to meet up with Taber who came from North Carolina to visit for the holidays as well as Koby and Koda who came from Colorado!

We had to drive through terrible fog (but still better then white out snow storms) to get home Christmas Eve, but we made it safe and sound and with enough time to do traditions. It was a lot of

fun to have so many people around Christmas morning, but it was also craziness! But being with family is what Christmas is all about to me, so I loved it! Liv got lots of Zoobles and Gary boy got his Criss Cross

Crash race track, we were all spoiled! So in the end... it was a WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS!

Gary's Preschool Program

We went to a fun little party at Gary's preschool last night. They had the kids sing a couple songs, Gary was the most bouncy one of the bunch. He thoroughly expressed his joy through movement! You'd never known that earlier that day when the teacher announced they'd be working on their songs he said, "No, thanks!" But, hey, at least he's polite! Afterwards we decorated gingerbread cookies. The kids took their time and made very handsome little men!

Liv's First Dance Recital

First of all, I want to thank everyone that drove down and those nearby that came to Liv's dance recital. I felt very loved having such a great support group there for her! She did a great job! She started off a little rocky since she got stepped on by a tap shoe right before the show was to start. She was pretty sad, but went on stage and did her best on the tap routine until she got kicked by another tap shoe (on accident of course). She was hurt and wanted to run to me, but she braved through it and finished the routine! I was very proud of her succeeded at her first "the show must go on" experience! She did especially well at the ballet routine (below), she loved that dance and it was easy to see! I'm very happy that we found something that she enjoys and can shine at!

Todd's Birthday

My sweet honey had another birthday! He actually got to celebrate for two days! While we were in Salt Lake we went to see the new Disney princess movie, Tangled. The kids were super excited about the movie when they saw previews, so Todd, being the softy he his, told the kids all he wanted for his birthday was tickets to see Tangled. So we gave him the tickets and invited a bunch of his friends to go with us. I appreciate Todd's friends,they are awesome! Afterwards we went to the nearest ice cream shop for ice cream cake. Unfortunately we weren't the only ones with such an idea, so it was a bit of a wait to purchase the cake. But luckily a restaurant across the way had the BYU/UTAH game on it's big screen TV, so Todd and his guests were able to watch the end of the game. What a close one! (The Y didn't win, but Todd had fun anyways, he's a good sport). We went home to Toquerville that night, so he didn't have to travel on his actual special day. That night we had dinner with a handful of his family! I think he had a good birthday, I sure hope so... he deserves it!

Winder Family Pictures

I haven't been taking as many pictures lately, but I do still enjoy it. Although this little one, even though she's usually my friend, was not happy with me at all. I think it was the big camera I kept pointing at her. But once we got her grandma there we got some smiles, well... at least no more tears, from her! Click here to see more.