Christmas Morning

 Bridger's new robe...necessary to take to the MTC.  It's a first.

 Bridger gave Wayne and I a new tv for our bedroom.  He spoiled everyone this year. 

Santa did not disappoint.  All were surprised and satisfied with what was left.  Here's a few pictures of the morning.  Funny how we get to sleep in now that they are older.  We didn't start opening gifts until about 9:00 that's a whole lot different than a few years ago. 

Our Christmas Eve Tradition

A few years back we started a tradition of dinner at Olive Garden and then Temple Square to see the lights.  We have a wonderful time just being together. 

This year we were able to read the Christmas story from Luke  2 as we followed the story driving around the Bountiful Temple and seeing the displays in yards.  We also took a luminerie up to Jody's grave and then home to open the one gift that always seems to be pajamas.  I realized a long time ago the reason we get those is so the pictures in the morning turn out so much better than wearing the same ones they were wearing.

Our Christmas Letter 2010

 Wayne playing "Minute to Win it"

I have always loved to get the mail in December.  Every day promises to find letters from family and friends who have touched our lives and left imprints on our hearts.  This year I will be sending cards out, however decided I would post my letter on our blog so I would have it printed and placed in our yearly log of posts.  So, if you are one who does not like/love the Christmas letters, don't read this post.  I try not to brag or boast but do love my boys and consider our family very blessed, 2010 was no exception.

Wayne:  serves in the YM's presidency working with the teachers.  This is the first time in quite awhile that he does not have one of his own boys in the quorum.  He enjoys working with these YM and despite what he says, I think he is truly where he should be.  This year Wayne, Bridger and Stetson were able to go on a father and sons backpacking trip to the Windrivers.  This is an awesome hike that is really quite difficult, but necessary to go if you want to go where the fish are.  They had an amazing time and as many know our lives are changing in the next little bit and it will be a few years before this can happen again.  His dad was able to draw out for a moose tag this year and I'm sure you are not surprised to know they were successful at finding a bull.  Bridger was able to be with them and it is a memory that he will have forever.

Tammy:  What a difference a year makes.  Last year I really didn't feel like putting together a letter as everything in my life had changed.  Now, a year later, things are once again as they should be.  I love my job.  I work as a treatment coordinator for Bountiful Orthodontics and I love it.  I still am learning everyday but find I'm amazed at the impact a new smile has on a person.  I miss the friendships I formed in the many years at the Church offices, however do not miss working the grave shift, holidays or weekends.  I currently serve as the Stake Primary President and that has been something that has helped me to grow so much.  I find myself a lot more on my knees and am grateful for the knowledge that He listens and answers our prayers.  I love the quote, who He calls, He qualifies.  It is a quote that gives me encouragement.  I am truly blessed to serve in such a capacity, I love the Primary organization and the children and leaders of our stake. 

Bridger:  Graduated from WX with honors and continues to work and save.  After another Summer of mowing lawns for the city of NSL, and several of our neighbors the snow fell and he found himself looking for something to fill his days until he leaves for his mission.  So, L-3 Communications is where he spends his days and then if that wasn't enough, Salt City Burgers has also employed him on the weekends and some evenings.  He is most happy when he is busy and everyone comments on his work ethic and dependability.  If you follow our blog you know that he is currently waiting to leave for the Honduras San Pedro Sula mission.  He is anxiously counting the days, and I am hesistantly counting the days.  I will miss him terribly, but know this is what he has been taught and knows to be true.  He is excited to go and find those looking for the light.  He is so prepared and ready to serve.

Stetson:  Turned 16 this year and a lot has changed in his life, too.  He, along with the help of a loan from his brother, purchased another Honda to sit in our driveway.  He works at the local Cinemark theater and enjoys the free popcorn and movies as a benefit of working there.  He's a good student and studies hard every day.  He earned his Eagle which is necessary in our home if you want your license and was awarded along with Bridger in a Court of Honor.  He is one who loves physical fitness and can often be found working out downstairs, running on the treadmill, or weather permitting,  Bountiful Boulevard.  He also enjoys his membership at the rec. center. 

Caleb:  is 12 and not a little boy anymore.  He, too has caught hunting/fishing fever big time.  He shot his first deer this year, with one shot, btw, and too many fish to count.  He spent many days at Bear Lake and stood watch and lessened the woodpecker population.  He's an excellent shot and Wayne could not be more proud.  He still enjoys spending time at home and "chillin" but can be convinced to go run errands and even Costco if the price is right.  He is currently dating Wayne and I as he accompanies us almost everywhere.

Who would have thought that these boys would have really grown up.  I had heard it so many times and until now never really believed it would really happen.  We are so blessed to have such wonderful  young men in our home.  They are extremely hard workers and we are told often what great boys they are. 

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season.

Thanksgiving and Hanging Up the Lights

I doubled the roll recipe, we had plenty.  Notice all the trays with towels. 

I forgot to change the photo so sorry, you get the picture if you tilt your head just right.  Sorry about that...

Can you even read that title without thinking of that Christmas song, The 12 Pains of Christmas?  Wayne this year had excellent help with Bridger doing a lot of it.  Thank heavens he likes them like I do, very uniform, pointing the right way and on the entire house.  The snow fell before they were able to put up the snowman and the bushes but hopefully they'll get put on before the actual holiday arrives.  We've got the tree up, but not decorated...this is the latest I've ever done it.  But for some reason every night has something on the calendar.  Hopefully, tomorrow.

We had a quiet, but nice Thanksgiving.  Wayne's parents were going to go to Colorado, but due to the weather they couldn't make it there so we had them at our house.  We were very grateful this year as it will be the last Thanksgiving we are a family for awhile.  It sure is a lot of work cooking all the things that we all have to have and over so quickly, but so yummy and so worth it.

I am so grateful this year for many things.  It's been a year of a lot of changes and ones that I am glad are behind me.  But,  life is extremely good.  If you are reading this, you are truly one of the things we are grateful for this year, too.  We have awesome family and friends, thanks for being you.

Now it's on to Christmas...

Got Braces

 Candace one of the awesome assistants.

 Still giving a "thumbs up" that things are ok.

 Ready or not, here they come

 Caleb telling Dr. Feller that he's #1

It's time for Caleb to get the perfect smile just like his brothers.  Wednesday, November 3, Dr. Feller, the best orthodontist around, put braces on.  He looks awesome.  We love Bountiful Orthodontics!  Thanks Dr. Feller for being so awesome that braces really aren't that bad...

I Hope They Call Me on a Mission

Well, it  happened.  Bridger received his call on October 27, to serve in the Honduras, San Pedro Sula Mission.  He enters the MTC on March 16, 2011.  Seems like forever to some, but to me as his mom it's only 140 days until he goes.  This is what we've taught him his whole life and what he has always wanted to do.  It's a nice warm tropical place where he will feel right at home since the 110 degree weather he is accustomed to working in.

We are so proud of the man he has become and the choices he has made to get him to this point.  We could not ask for a better son.  He loves the Lord and the gospel and he will be an awesome missionary.  I don't know how I'll make it, but I know the blessings that will come to him and it is something he will talk about, remember and use for the rest of his life.

 Soon to be Elder Bridger Clayton

 Over 100 guesses and predictions of where he would serve.  This was lots of fun.  Ryan Checketts, the last to guess and the only one who choose Honduras won the $10 Megaplex Card.

 Checking the mail to make sure it was indeed there.

 Opening the envelope...

 Reading the first paragraph...

 You have been called to serve in the Honduras San Pedro Sula Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  He'll learn spanish of course, hola!

 Waiting anxiously to hear where he will serve.     

His awesone friends who came to support him. 

Now I just need to teach him how to do his own laundry...everything else he already knows.

Random Thoughts

Many times I get asked if I am sad to not have had a daughter.  And only a few times can I say that I may have missed out.  For example, the school dances.  When my boys go to pick up their dates I wish'd I was there to take a few photos.  Thank heavens they always take someone that doesn't mind if I follow them and come and take a few pics for my records.  Thanks Abby for letting me come and take some and for the batteries as mine died after the first picture.  Glad you both had a good time.

Stetson ready to go and pick up Abby for WX Homecoming 2010

 We had several sunflowers come up voluntary this year.  Looks like we now know how the seeds get in the ground.  Glad the birds like them. 

Caleb after going to a weekend scout trip.  He was exhausted, but had a great time.

Catching Up

Seriously, I'm not sure where the time goes.  I have meant to post pictures of the First Day of School, our trip to Bear Lake, etc., etc., and I never seem to sit down and finish what I'm meaning to write.  So, rather than wait I'm going to post the pictures and maybe come back later and journal...maybe.

Caleb 6th Grader - Hard to Believe this is my "baby"

Walking to school with all the neighborhood kids.  Our first of the lasts.  Last first day of school in elementary for us.  This is bittersweet.

All his buddies waiting to meet the new teacher and "rule the school" being the oldest

Sitting in the sun and getting out last chance for a suntan.

Bridger and Stetson off on the jet skis our friends let us all ride.  We are now wanting one, well really two.

Kayaks were also fun.

Catching up on his sleep, he never gets enough.  Sure.

Off again for another ride. 

The leaves are already starting to change.  I do love the Fall.

St. Charles Idaho on top of th hill overlooking Bear Lake. 

We've had a great Summer.  It went by so quickly. I have pictures of the boys camping trips also.  Which I hope to add sometime in the near future.