New Traditions

This year we decided to start new traditions with our boys. So, after the housework was done, and Bridger got home from work, we ventured off to make some new memories. We started with dinner at the Olive Garden downtown, which was good. And, then off to Temple Square to see the lights. Who knew that this was so many other people's traditions. We walked around the square and stopped to listen to the nativity. At the end of the presentation there is a message

given by President Hinckley. I couldn't help but have a tear in my eye as I realized that it was last Christmas he gave us his last Christmas message before his passing in late January. I still miss him.

After we decided we had seen enough, and were almost frozen, we headed home to open our one present. Of course, no surprise to find it was pajamas. Which I realized long ago we give so that our pictures look better than if they wear the ones they have been wearing. We watched some Tabernacle Choir Christmas broadcasts and read some Christmas stories and then off to bed to wait for Santa to visit our home.

Christmas morning we woke up around 9:00 to find that he indeed did find his way to our home and none was disappointed with the gifts left behind. We had no where to go so we just stayed in our jammies the entire day. We had a yummy dinner and just watched movies and enjoyed each others company. Oh, and I got the hippo I had been singing about wanting for the entire month. It was a fun and relaxing day.

Merry Christmas for the Clayton Elves!

Click here for a good holiday laugh.

Must be Santa

Ever since we were kids we had a Christmas Party at our Grandma and Grandpa's house. Now that we all have families of our own, we carry on the tradition this year at my sister Cindy's home. It's so much fun to see everyone and laugh, eat yummy food and wait for Santa. This year was especially fun as it was our anniversary. 19 years ago we were married in the Salt Lake Temple. Even Santa remembered and had a treat for us. It must be the real Santa, how else would he have remembered.

Christmas Memories

Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping, with good wire ribbon. And homemade gift tags.

Real Tree or Artificial? Artificial - with an Evergreen candle on the warmer.

When do you put up the tree? Thanksgiving week, I try to hold out until after Thanksgiving.

When do you take the tree down? New's Years Day or day after.

Do you like eggnog? If you thin it with milk and add nutmeg.

Favorite gift received as a child? My Sunshine Family Dolls. You young ones, won't know what these are, but they were amazing.

Hardest person to buy for? Our parents

Easiest person to buy for? My boys

Do you have a nativity scene? Too many to count, I collect them.

Mail or e mail Christmas cards? Mail

Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A box of macaroni and cheese. Long story and I was only four, my dad did it to trick us because we always shook the presents. I'm in therapy still..jk

Favorite Christmas movie? ELF, I love it and know almost the whole movie.

When do you start shopping for Christmas? Early November

Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Never

Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Pumpkin Cream Cheese Roll

Lights on the tree? Of course and several

Favorite Christmas song? It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams

Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home

Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yep.

Angel on the tree top, or star? Star

Open presents Christmas eve or morning? Christmas Eve, always Pajamas

Most annoying thing about this time of year? Rude people

Favorite ornament, theme, or color? Each year we exchange an ornament at our family party, that's really fun. And each year my kids get a new ornament. I love them all.

Favorite food for Christmas dinner? Funeral Potatoes

What do you want for Christmas this year? A treadmill

I tag everyone who reads our blog. Come on, don't be a Scrooge, this one is fun. Happy Holidays!

It's beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

It truly is the "most wonderful time of the year." I love the holiday season. This year with Thanksgiving being so late in the month, there was no time to waste. We started decorating right away and it always looks as if we are moving. I think my decorations multiply while they're in the closet.

A couple of the happenings in November were: Caleb entered a written essay in the literature catagory for the Reflections contest. He won a 2nd place ribbon and was thrilled. We had a great time at Wayne's parents for Thanksgiving. It was fun to get together and have a yummy dinner and remember the things we are thankful for.

I also volunteer on one of the Festival of Trees committees. It was so neat to be there when they turned on the lights. After you attend this event, it always makes me realize how blessed I am and how fortunate these individuals are who benefit from all the efforts donated through the Festival. This is definately a tradition I will continue for as long as I am able.

Happy Holidays! Only 14 more shopping days...I'm so close to being ready...HOORAY! Just the fun baking, and wrapping left.

Is this Good or Bad...

Ok, I haven't read these books, and I think I'm probably the only one on the planet. However, my dear friend sent this survey to me to see "who" I was in the Twilight series. Not sure if this is good or bad, so please let me know. And for those who are anxiously awaiting... only a few more days. And NO, I didn't reach my goal of finishing the book before the movie, oh well.


Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

October, what a Month!

We had a very busy month. Here are couple of the highlights. After Bridger tagged his buck, they were off to Idaho to try and tag three more. The first weekend was too warm and too many hunters out. The 2nd weekend Bridger and Wayne were able to get their bucks within 20 yards of each other. Stetson was not so fortunate. There's always next year. They had a great time and are so glad to go with their Dad and Grandpa out in the great outdoors. Venison anyone, we will not starve in hard times, guaranteed.

Caleb was busy with football playoffs. They played a wildcard series and went in as the fourth place team. They played hard, but came out a little short, however he had a great season and is already talking about playing next year. It was red ribbon week and they do some fun things. One of which was crazy hair day. It makes me realize it's not too bad having boy hair each morning before school.

And last was Halloween, Caleb is not that excited about dressing up and so chose to go as a football player. Except to not seem boring, we added a mustache, hilarious. That way it seemed a little like he was being different. Sorry, I don't know how to rotate the picture. Oh well.

We are looking forward to the holidays, they're already playing Christmas music on a couple of the channels. It truly is the "Most Wonderful Time of the Year"

Staying Safe while Blogging

Last night on KSL there was a story dedicated to people who blog. Very interesting. I would recommend those who are bloggers go to ksl.com and watch the video stream. I think I may go private, I know it's a pain, but I would hate my family to be the target of stalking, etc. Go watch and see what you think, I'd love to hear your comments on the subject.

Beautiful Sabbath Day

Today was a wonderful day. It was our Primary Sacrament Program, the absolute best meeting of the year. The children did an amazing job, they all knew their parts, they sang like angels, and the spirit was so strong. Even typing this message I cannot hold back the tears. I am so blessed to serve in this organization. The message was strong, I am a child of God. I am so blessed to have the gospel in my life and to know my Savior, Jesus Christ. That's why I chose this picture. It hangs in my home and reminds me that my Father in Heaven sent His son, to teach us, and it is our job to teach His children.

Thank you Primary children for touching my heart today and so many others. I love you all so much.

Oh Deer!

If you're not a hunter, or you're an animal activist, DO NOT read this post.

Bridger drew out this year on a limited deer buck tag. Early Wednesday morning Wayne took all the boys, his dad,the ATV's, the trailor and whatever else they thought they needed to get his buck. They had a wonderful time, the weather was perfect. They scouted for a day looking for just the right one, and early Friday morning, he tagged his deer. As you can see by the pictures, he is one happy boy.

They have such a great time. They are so lucky to have a dad that has taught them about the great outdoors. They love having their grandpa go with them, too. Hope the pictures don't frighten or scare away any of our friends. This is what makes having all boys awesome for me. Congrats, Bridger you're the man!

Let it Snow?!?

Yesterday we woke up to snow...lots of it. I found myself checking the calendar to see what the date was. December? Nope, still October. Hard to believe though, it made my put on some Christmas CD's and thoughts of putting up our tree also entered my head.

Wayne had taken the boys to Bear Lake to go deer hunting and they too had several inches of snow. Although strange...still beautiful. Thank heavens for a warm furnace, hot bath and cocoa.

The weather is supposed to be 70 degrees on Saturday, I'm hoping for that. I've frozen the last two football games. I think I was meant to live in San Diego.

Happy Fall-idays!

Doctrine & Covenants 18:15

And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!

We had a wonderful weekend. In 1985, Wayne was serving in Omaha on his mission. He and his companion baptized a very young family into the church. This sweet sister, orginally from Nigeria came to Salt Lake to attend our semiannual General Conference. We loved having Vivian in our home. She enjoyed attending in the conference center. She was able to sit quite close and on the side where the Prophet and the other General Authorities entered the center. It made me realize how blessed we are to have these men in our midst.

I took her to Deseret Book while the boys were at Priesthood Meeting. They always have a big Girl's Night activity there with many give aways, treats and fun. Poor Caleb had to go with us but thank heavens the treats were something he liked. Only three more conferences and he too will go with his dad and brothers. It was fun to introduce Vivian to many friends that were also there. She was in awe at this and I explained how this was one of many that had similar activities. Most craft stores held GNO's, too.

Thank you Vivian, for keeping the faith, staying strong and for making us remember how blessed we are. I will try to not take this for granted again.

Please come stay with us again, you are always welcome.

Back to School & Back to Football

This past summer Bridger worked very hard to save his money and purchase his very first car. We are so proud of his determination and drive to succeed. Buckle up and be safe.

With the changing of the weather so comes Football. Caleb has already started his season and so far is undefeated. He is loving it and last game had four sacks. Hard to believe this sweet, loving boy is quite an animal on the field. Go Wildcats!

I love the Fall.

A Little Sad

it's only a few days away and yet I have to say I'm going to be sad on Monday. For some reason this Summer seems to have flown by. I've enjoyed having the "laziness" of Summer. First thing Monday, we'll be doing the early morning wake-up, fixing lunches, and getting everyone out the door. I do love the Fall and am looking forward to the cooler temperatures. And, I do love schedules. Perhaps, I may start cooking dinner again, maybe. I'm sure even though I tend to be a little blue about the whole thing, by boys are even bluer than I.

What Flavor Shake am I?

I have always wondered what flavor of shake I would be. Now I know, I will sleep so much better tonight. Take the quiz, I think these are funny, who has this much time to make these up? I hope someone is not getting a huge salary for these things, if so, where do I sign up?

You Are a Chocolate Shake

You are a total hedonist. You are drawn to pleasure. You are an expressive, over the top person. You're naturally dramatic. You're the type of person who always chooses quality over quantity. Life's too short to not have optimal experiences. You're proud of being picky.

What Flavor Shake Are You?

Oh What Do You Do in the Summertime...

Catch lots and lots of big fish!



Wayne has passed on the love of fishing to his boys. Very early that morning Caleb woke his dad up and off they went to fly fish. This is the one that didn't get away. It measures 20 inches, honest! Wayne hooked him, but it was Caleb that scooped it in the net. They have all caught way too many fish to count, but for some reason it never gets old. Thanks Wayne for being such a great dad and teaching them about the great outdoors. They'll certainly never starve that's for sure.

A typical day when dad comes home...

Ever since the kids have been small, they love when their dad gets home from work. We used to play outside and when he would be walking down the street he'd whistle to let them know he was close to our house. Now, they still get excited to have him come through the door. But sometimes I'm not so sure Wayne is thrilled with what is planned after his arrival. This particular day Caleb received a really fun Nerf Gun for his birthday from his friend Walker. Wayne was nice enough to act as the target. Who do you think is having the most fun!?! Thanks Dad for being such a great sport, in every sense of the word. You're the best. Thank heavens for the safety glasses.

I love these quizes!

Thank heavens people have time to do these little games so I know what I am. It makes my life so much easier. And, you know they are always spot on...

You Belong in 1980

Wild, over the top, and just a little bit cheesy. You're colorful at night - and successful during the day.

What Year Do You Belong In?

Tag, You're It!!!

Memory Lane Tag

My friend, Taya did this on her blog... it looked like fun. So I'm gonna give this a try since it has been awhile since I've done a tag.

Here are the directions-

1. Add a comment on my blog and leave a memory that you and I had together.
It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember! I guess good or bad, but be nice!!

If you don't have a blogger account leave a comment as anonymous and sign your name! I want all you blurkers to play along too!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. I'm hoping it's more than 1 person! Don't disappoint me!

I Love the Blog World

I don't have any new pictures to post, only words for today. I need to tell everyone how much I love their blogs. This past couple of weeks I have connected with several of my young women who I was able to teach and see their beautiful families, read about their lives and marvel at how they seem to get a little older and I do not. It has been so much fun and it made me realize how important it is to stay in touch. Even a little message brightens my day and at times make me realize I don't have it so bad after all.

So, that being said, KEEP ON BLOGGING. I love them, and what else would I be doing with all this time, perhaps, cleaning?

Happy July

Happy Birthday Caleb!

Caleb turned 10 on July 1st. We have always tried to make it fun for our boys to get another year older and this year with Bridger working and Stetson helping in the firework stand, it was Caleb and I who celebrated until everyone else could join us later in the evening. Caleb wanted pancakes and bacon for breakfast and then in the afternoon we went and saw, KungFu Panda. It is a cute show and it's always fun to have theater popcorn. Why is it that it tastes so yummy! Darn!

That night he chose Applebee's for dinner and he was not disappointed in his choice of ribs. Then home for the famous Chocolate Cake for Costco. He made a wish and blew out all the candles, so his wish is bound to come true.

July is a busy month as the 5th is Wayne's birthday. We went and saw the movie, Get Smart. Way good show. With it being a show we watched I wondered if the kids would get it and they loved it. This is one we will probably bring home to our family library. We all laughed out loud many times. It's worth going to see, and even though the rating is PG-13, I thought it was ok for our now 10-year-old to see.

I will post more pictures later, I thought they were on my camera and they are on Stetson's. Rather than wait, I'll post now and get the pictures on later.

In between all of this we celebrated our country's freedom. It is always a day of family, friends, bbq's and of course fireworks. We are truly grateful for all who protect our freedom and risk so much to make us have what we sometimes take for granted. God Bless America! We are so blessed to live in such a wonderful land.