First Hand Info from Haiti

Our friend, Jeff Randle, is a member of a medical team that is currently in Haiti doint their best help there. I just found out that he is posting to his blog which you can find here. It is definitely heart breaking to hear about what is going on there and is so hard for me to even imagine. It definitely makes me grateful for even my bad days. Keep praying for our brothers and sisters in Haiti and around the world who need so desperately our Lord's blessings.

You can find out more about Jeff's Foundation, Healing Hands for Haiti here.

Enjoying it While it Lasts

One thing I love about this picture is that Matthew will still willingly hold my hand. I know that this could be very short-lived. Some of the triplets (please see the NPR quotable in sidebar for a clue to who I'm talking about) are showing early signs of tween angst and anger toward me their mother. So sadly, we are just around the corner from possible complete disgust with all parental contact. I hope that this won't happen but hey, I'm a realist. (Matt says it is negativity.) For now I will be happy for what I can get.


By the way, I would like to take this chance to thank my mother and who knows what other hefty ancestors who gave me my "Man Hands" (see above photo). I would like to thank Jerry Seinfeld for shedding a humorous light on such hands. Remember the Lobster? Love it. Here it is for a little laugh.

Christmas Day Techno

Oh remember when it was Christmas? I do. It was such a great day! Santa was really generous and we all had fun relaxing and playing with our electronic games for 10 hours straight! Those were the days. Actually those days lasted until yesterday which was the first day back to school for the kids. The kids' brains were mushy for sure! Those days are officially OVER! Gaming is only allowed on weekends now.

Anyway, here are some pictures from Christmas Morning.

The kiddos waiting very patiently to go get the loot!

Kate's stuff

Claire's

Matthew's

Jake's


Jake checkin' out the pile.

Matthew dealing with disappointment while searching for something that he actually wanted. I guess he doesn't like pogo sticks after all.

Claire eying the candy in the stocking.

Katie goes for the clothes!

All the boys got new Ute hats.

OOOOh. cozy socks.

Drum roll please.....Sheets! I got sheets!?!

I love Jake's smile in this one.

An Ipod! Can it get any better?!

A Nintendo DSi? All dreams have come true!

Matthew (ignoring the pogo stick) with his new ipod. I am not sure why he couldn't put a shirt on for Christmas morning but he is like this at home all the time.

...And it continues.

Later that night...Temple Square. Always breathtaking to me.

Remembering Christmas Eve

Yes I know it was only a little over a week ago but it seems like ages ago we were doing this:

We were able to skype with Anne and Brian in Texas so that they could be part of the Christmas Eve festivities which included a book exchange for the adults and a gift exchange for the kiddos.


W. showing the Texans his new soccer ball.


Mr. T and Miss A. with their rockin' gifts.


Matt with our nephew little D.

Jake loves bendaroos!


Katie and Claire both got fancy fun make-up kits.


Miss C. feeding her piggy.

Matthew opening his gift - it was a scooter.


Grandma with baby R.


Don't be afraid. This is my dad with backcountry teeth. (only temporary thank heavens)


My brother holding up the twins for Anne and Brian to see.

We had a great time that night eating our usual chinese food feast and enjoying each other's company. I love my family and am so grateful for them all! We just need the Texans to become Utahns. Hint hint.

Calling All Wannabe Photographers!

Do you own a camera? Do you want to learn how to use all those confusing buttons and settings? Do you want to take better photographs? Well today is your lucky day. I am offering a little photography class to my family and friends (and friends of friends) that live here in our fair city.


It will be a 3 part class and you can come to any or all of the classes:
All Classes are 7:00p.m. - 8:30 p.m. and cost $15 each
Tues. Jan 26 - Photography Basics (including tips on how to take better photos)
Tues. Feb 2 - Your Camera (personalized help with your very own camera)
Tues. Feb 9 - From Downloading to Printing (getting the best end-result)

All Classes will be held at my home.

Please feel free to comment if you have questions or to register.

My Favorite...

Midnight snack or even meal for that matter. Fruit Loops served in my favorite Anthropologie bowls. Cold cereal is simultaneously filling and thirst quenching. Perfection if you ask me.

Christmas Activity #2

On Christmas Eve we went sledding at a local park. The kids were so excited to go. Despite a few arguments over who got to use which sled, it was great fun. Especially the Lewis Family train. (Not pictured). Jake was the one who turfed it the most as evidenced by his snow covered body. We even got to go on a couple of runs with the Florences!

Matthew aka Hot Rod
Claire
Kate

Jake

Amanda the photographer and reluctant sledder.


Matt