Merry Christmas

Wow! I can't believe it is already over. So much work, so little time and it's over. We had a great Christmas and would like to share a few of our highlights....

Can you say neighborhood watch? We were amazed at how well these night vision goggles really worked. We all had fun taking turns in the darkest place in the house, the bathroom, to try out the eye clops! Ethan did also get Indiana Jones Lego's to occupy his daytime hours!

I love this picture! I was really trying to get bella opening her first gift, but didn't realize Abbi had already opened hers. You can just see the excitement on her face. She finally got a camera, a real camera! I love it!

I think Madison was a little overwhelmed! She got the one thing she really wanted,but wasn't quite sure what to do with it. Needless to say, Mike spent the remainder of Christmas day installing batteries, reading directions and eventually explaining to Madison how her DS works. What happened to the good old days of Atari?

Bella was all about fashion, and Dora! She was so excited about her new "puff vest" that she had to try it on. I have to admit, it even looks cute with her Dora P.J's!

Gabrielle had a great time playing with everyone Else's toys! Who can blame her though? I was even tempted to play with the cherry scented barbie!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and have a great New Year to come!

Eat more Beef!

I am officially boycotting Chick-fil-A! I know, many of you are already thinking, What did Sara do now? So we decided to have a night out with the kids and do sibling Christmas shopping and dinner at the only place in town with a play set, Chick-fil-A. Things were going exceptionally well and we were getting ready to pack the kids up and finish our errands. Out of the blue, a Chick-fil-A manager who we wont mention (BETTY!) heads to the play area with fire in her eyes and starts to reprimand Abbi and Madison. She proceeds to put my girls in a time out? What? Apparently they think five year olds are concerned with reading the fine print in the play area that says playing on top of the play equipment is dangerous! At this point I was a little confused, but wanted my kids to understand other forms of authority, like minimum wage night managers at a wanna be health fast food joint. I calmly explained that I had seen my girls on top of the play equipment and was going to handle the situation and would appreciate her speaking to me before she punished my children for something they didn't fully understand. This is where things got a little out of control. The managers name who we aren't mentioning (BETTY!) would not let me get a full sentence out. Every time I would try to explain my point of view she would cut me off with bull crap like, it's a safety issue! I UNDERSTAND IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE! I only have so much patience, and honestly, my five children suck that right out of me, so there isn't much left for anyone else. After several attempts at being grown up about this, I reverted to middle school and began to yell at her and told her never to put my children or anyone else's children in time-out, it's unprofessional and insulting to parents on so many levels. As we headed out the door, I got her name, that we won't mention (BETTY!), and told her I would be reporting to higher management tomorrow. How infuriating! I brought these hoodlums into this world, and I think it's only fair that I get the satisfaction when disciplining them, not Chick-fil-A management! So there you have it. Another bridge burned in Castle Rock and an extra $20 in gas to drive to Highlands Ranch for a Big Mac and play set. Eat more Beef!

Enemies are forgiven, friends remembered, and God obeyed

So I was asked to talk today to the Relief Society on a quote given by President David O. McKay, "Enemies are forgiven, friends remembered, and God obeyed". For those of you that know me, you know that doing anything in front of an audience, especially speaking or playing a musical instrument, is the worst thing that could happen to me! So needless to say, I was completely out of my element when I stood before the Relief Society and Young Women who were invited to attend today as well. I really tried to avoid Marti when she kept calling me. Anytime anyone from church with higher authority persistently tries to reach me, I know nothing good can come of it! But for some reason at the ward Christmas party, my conscience got the better of me (which doesn't happen very often) and I approached Marti to ask "how can I help?" She quickly explained what she would like me to do, and with much hesitation I agreed. The first thing that came to my mind when I heard this quote was Clark. It seems his memory is a little more present through the holiday season, but this opportunity to speak today brought everything right to the surface like it was yesterday. I was so overcome with emotion, that what seemed to already be an impossible task, became almost unbearable. I stuttered through my quivering lip and tear soaked eyes to try to relay the message that was so fresh in my mind. I hate to say this, but I am thankful for the opportunity I was given today. I am thankful for Clark and for the memories that I hold of him in my heart. Even more so, am I thankful to a loving and forgiving Father in Heaven who sent his Son, the Redeemer and Savior of the World. I am thankful that today I could take time to pause and truly remember what this Christmas season is really about. To forget the hustle and bustle of traffic, ridiculously long checkout lines, and impatient shoppers and remember the sacrifice that was so selflessly given to me. I am thankful for the gift of my Eternal family and wait for the day when we all reunite in the presence of the Lord.

Where's my Mommy?

Many of you may be able to relate to this picture? For the last week, the flu has been running rampant through our family and last night caught up with me! After spending much of the night barfing and most of today sleeping, I am now faced with the reality of what would be if there was no me! Dirty dishes, diapers on the counter (one of my favorites), and last nights dinner still on every plate strewn about the kitchen. Sadly, this is only proof of the wreckage that exists in my kitchen, the rest of my house is just as bad. After only 12 hours of no mom, it's safe to declare this a natural disaster! Where is my mommy?