{clock}

My blue living room. I get serious mixed reactions from this room. Some people love it others hate it. I think its fabulous.

My friend Teresa got this clock for her birthday, but has not been able to see it yet since it is back ordered until the end of February. So here is a picture of mine so she has some sort of idea what she is getting. :) Happy Birthday T. Love You

I thought this picture was funny. We had our friends Bree and James over last week and Big Avery and little Avree found my old clogging costumes. They looked extra beautiful. ( Man, Che and Megan does this make you think Slink or what :)

I have serious issues

I have decided that I either have some serious issues, or I am nesting eight weeks too soon. We have only lived in our house for two months, and already I am itching to repaint and redecorate the rooms. I don't think this is normal, and Neil is dreading coming home, because I am waiting for him with a new can of paint, and fresh brushes. (because of course I wouldn't want to do it at eight months pregnant :) Poor guy.

{Last year in a nutshell}

I saw this on a blog and thought that it would be good to do for journal purposes. Since I can't remember anything from one year to the next.

What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Bought a cute little bike, and carted my kids everywhere! Went to a Neil Diamond Concert!
Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Nope and double Nope. I never make New Year's resolutions. I think they are stupid. I just try to set goals throughout the year. For those that know me well you will know that I am a procrastinator. So I have to set small little goals, and get them done. Then I move onto the next.
What places did you visit?
We took the kids to Disneyland.
What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Well I don't know things are looking pretty good. We finally got a home. I guess we will have a new little member in our family. So that is a pretty big change for 2009.
What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The first one that comes to mind is February 17th. The one year day of Nic passing away. It was a milestone for me. I had survived a year. Also the day I told Neil I was expecting our first baby together. He was a little shocked (we weren't really expecting it). But he was so excited. He had waited a long time for this little one.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
A little sad, but I can't really think of anything. I guess I was pretty good at attending the temple regularly, and I tried really hard to do fun things with my kids everyday last summer.
What was the best thing you bought?
No question A HOUSE! Although we technically didn't close until 2009.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Taking Avery to see the princesses, kicking my mom and dad's rear ends at spades, our Thursday night Office parties with Bree and James, of course NEIL DIAMOND, Having a baby, and moving into our first house. (which is weird since I have lived here most of my life.
What song will always remind you of 2008?
Sweet Caroline and the Mamma Mia soundtrack
Compared to this time last year, you are:
Definitely a lot rounder
What was your favorite TV program?
Oh everything. I am a TV addict. I loved Grey's anatomy, American Idol, the Bachelor, Ugly Betty, The Office and about anything else that was on at the time.
What was the best book you read?
I loved the Twilight Series, and Goose Girl.
What did you want and got?
A house
What did you do on your birthday?
Went to Lunch with my fam, attended Mason's first soccer game, and then went to supper with Neil.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If I lived next door to Teresa still, and if we could have gone on our anniversary trip we had planned. We had to cancel it because Neil was right in the middle of a big job.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Pretty casual. I have decided that once you have kids your fashion goes down hill a little. But, I do own a couple pairs of leggins, a few scarves, and a few lingerie looking shirts (which I love, and everyone teases me) But for the most part it is jeans and a cute shirt. No frills anymore.
What kept you sane?
Neil and the Gospel. I still have some pretty sad days, and Neil is so supportive. And I am so glad that I always have the gospel to lean on. Also my sweet sisters, mom, and friends who let me call and complain to them.
Where did you live in 2008?
Our town house in Rexburg, and our New House in St. Anthony.
What political issue stirred you the most?
Definitely the Presidential election
Who did you miss?
Nic. I would give anything some moments just to see his smile, hear his laugh, or get a big Nic hug from him. I especially miss him when our kids do something cute or monumental. I always wish that I could see his reaction to it. I also miss all of my friends that I have left behind with every move. Luckily I have stayed fairly close to all of them. But, I miss being able to see them everyday. It's just not the same when you live in different states.
Who have you met this year?
All of my new friends from the Rexburg 12th and 13th ward. We also met Bree and James. They have been such good friends to us. And, introduced us to our new life love. The Office! I also met Neil's entire Koyle Family. They are huge, loud, and an absolute blast.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Research your mortgage company thoroughly before you use them!

{HOLIDAY RECAP 2008}

We had a fun holiday season this year. Of course when you add together three sets of parents it equals lots of running. We were trading off between the three families for a week strait, and loved it. It left us with lots of pictures and fun memories. I just realized these pictures are chronologically backwards. OH Well!

We went sledding with the Parkinsons on New Years Day. Neil's brother Scott was here from Colorado, and the kids had a ton of fun playing with all of their new cousins. It was really cold, and windy, so I thought my kids wouldn't last very long. I was wrong! They sledded for most of the day, and were mad when we told them it was time to leave.

Breanna, Whitney, Jessica, and Mason

We had a New Year's Eve party at our house with the Parkinsons.

Brooke. She had found our trunk of endless costumes

Kristy, Gladys, and Lori

Curtis, Neil, and Lindsey in the back

Braide, Taylor, Scott, and Amy

Mike turned 51 this year so we had a grand old time celebrating at Green Canyon followed by a little pizza.

Parkinson Christmas Party

All the grand kids

We went to a few Christmas parties this year where people had made slippers out of maxi pads for gag gifts. Neil decided to take this to the next level. Who wouldn't want a bomber hat made out of feminine hygiene products. I am sure Polaris would be really proud. (No one would even wear it but Neil)

Sledding at our house

Ryen, Mason, and Avery being pulled behind the snow machine

Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa Daniels'

Avery and Ryen showing off their hula costumes

Chris opening up his sweater we got him

Baby hallie opening her gift

Christmas Morning

Shocker! Mason asked for more costumes for Christmas

Christmas Eve

We had a really fun Christmas Eve this year. Nic's Grandma Donna had a party and invited my parents, Neil's parents, Nic's parents, and his grandparents. It was so nice. We were able to spend it with everyone, and not feel like we had to run. I am so grateful that all three families get along so well, and for the effort that they have all made to make us one family. After the party we went and delivered gifts to our secret families, followed by jammies at Suey's.

The new jammies

Crapo Christmas Party where a very special visitor showed up.

We hope you all had a very merry Christmas, and happy New Year. I am so grateful for all of the blessings that we have been blessed with this last year. I am especially grateful for the Parkinson, Steinmanns, and my own family. We love you very much and had a blast with you over the holidays.