our family is growing!

So, I know those of you with those FANCY blogging things (gadgets? Ok, just kidding- I tried to sound smart, I really don't know what they're called!) that tell you when someone has a new post and what the title is....JUMPED to read this one. haha...made you look. But I didn't lie! This week Tori gets a hubby and we get a brother-in-law/uncle. He's actually been in our fam for awhile, but this makes it official. We think he's great. Reuben is the ringbearer and has been modeling all week..."mommy, I hold the pillow like THIS" hands cupped oh so carefully..."and I no drop it!" Let's hope not! Here's a pic of the cute couple! Nelson and Tori. We're so excited! Congratulations you two!!!

Easter with Cousins!

For Aunt Becky

Dear Aunt Becky,

You are great! We love the aprons you made us and wear them often...even though our mommy is a slacker and has taken forever to post this picture.

She even wears her apron to fix the yummy Rachel Ray food....and we like our ROASTED (not burnt) trees with the delicious garlic gravy and french fries.

But we weren't allowed in the kitchen for FOUR hours while she made these meringues....because the oven door had to be open. Yes, they were good but too sweet and our mommy says she hopes we liked them because she'll never make them again.

We really wish she'd stop trying to be all fancy and cook things like you...we are fine with chicken nuggets. Honestly, we think she just likes to wear her apron. But we don't blame her. We wear ours to make cookies AND to play with legos. Thanks again!

Love, Reuben & Jace

PS. Come visit. Bring James.

why i love THIS man:

Everyone knows I married Jorge for his good looks. Yes, I'm that shallow. Everything else has just been a HUGE bonus! Not only is he the best husband and father, but he's also a hard worker and did not complain one bit that I have spent literally ALL day blogging (in my pajamas). Seriously. I have a new layout (that because of my computer illiteracy, took me HOURS), 5 million new posts, and he has ran in all day to keep my fire going (the REAL one, keep your mind out of the gutter). I love him. He really is my best friend. Valentine's Day is coming up...you think I could pass up being mushy?! no way.

brotherly love...of sugar.

This picture is on my desktop at work. It's one of my favorites, mainly because it captures them, not posing or acting silly, just doing something they love....eating....sugar. Where'd they get THAT from?!

a sad day...

This weekend marked the end of the Christmas season for us. We had so much fun with everyone. It was all so bittersweet, happy that we were able to spend time together for the holidays, and sad the time had to end. Saturday morning I took our tree down and stored all the decorations. We were gone most of the time on vacation, and were blessed to get an extended vacation with more days with my mom, seeing family again for my dad's wedding, and starting school later. So we've kept the tree up as long as possible. I've absolutely loved it. The boys still wanted to make Christmas cookies or Christmas cinnamon rolls (a new invention, just the cinnamon rolls with red and green sprinkles!) and it was still working for me to say that Santa Clause wouldn't bring presents if they were naughty. But it is now February, and I realize I was probably that last person on the planet to take my tree down but I have to admit that I absolutely loved it. I loved the coziness every night when it was cold and we were cuddled up to watch a movie (or American Idol!). Most of all, I loved what Christmas felt like for me. It was a giant hope for peace. And while that may not happen, we can still hope and pray. I love my family more than anything, and never imagined I'd one day be fasting for protection from the unmentionable. President Utchdorf gave a wonderful talk on hope in October. In it he mentions, "The Lord has given us a reassuring message of hope: “Fear not, little flock.” God will wait with “open arms to receive”those who give away their sins and continue in faith, hope, and charity.
And to all who suffer—to all who feel discouraged, worried, or lonely—I say with love and deep concern for you, never give in. Never surrender. Never allow despair to overcome your spirit." So I'm praying the feeling of Christmas hope will continue...even though the tree is down.

Christmas Collage

Christmas Catch up

We got together with some friends to have the kids make gingerbread houses, and they loved it. Jace is showing his favorite part- eating the candy!

Nice work, right?!

Jace...where's the candy now????

So Proud.