New Years

Happy New Year's! We celebrated by going over to the Sorensen's where we made some homemade bombs, ate snacks, played cards and let the kids run around. Nearby they also had "rocket man" which was cool with his fireworks on his back, and how we rode in this vintage bus to get there. It felt like -30 degrees and was pretty rough, but it was fun! I could feel my tummy getting more tired and sour each minute that ticked by, but I hung in there and partied with the best of them! Jared and I shared a silly kiss and I taught a lesson in RS about goals and resolutions. For me: have a baby, lose weight, have more one on one conversations with my kids, and try to stay positive.

Austins, Petsmart employee

My little entrepeneur Austin decided that he wanted a pet. Dad said that he could not have a hamster (tried that last fall), dog is out of the question, birds are too loud, etc. So, after careful research and a few fieldtrips to PetSmart, it was decided that dwarf frogs and a Beta would be a good combo. Problem: he did not have enough money for all of it. I provided the tank and rocks as his bday present, but he still needed to cover the cost of the pets, food, heater, etc. Add that to his money binder where he has to put 10% tithing, 50% saving, $!5 for gifts...and then whatever is leftover is for spending. He decided to shovel the snow from the neighbor's sidewalks during Christmas break! He raked in over $80 in two days. What a hard little worker (Wes also did the same thing, with not as much money...which caused some jealousy. I then introduced them to the song, "Some guys have all the luck" and it helped make a bit more sense).

When we were at the check out for the tank at Petsmart, Austin was concerned about buying more plants, etc. The cashier, the store manager, heard our conversation and said that if Austin wanted to come back at sweep, he could earn a free plant. Austin didn't think he was serious, but I continued the conversation and we made an agreement! So, the next day, Saturday, Austin went and swept the floors for an hour 1/2 and earned himself a Beta, which he named Percy. Alice and Scout (the male fish I bought for Levi) and Glenn (the algae eater that pipa bought for Isaac's bday), are now a happy family. Jared and I thought we might have to deal with baby frogs since the two like to mate so much, but the fish would eat the eggs as caviar and they wouldn't ever grow into adult frogs. Phew! Austin is responsible to add fresh water every week, he feeds them daily, we have all enjoyed watching the LED lights, and I remember back when I had my own fish tank with frogs...great memories for a kid.

Wesley's bday

Happy 12th birthday Wes! He requested homemade cinn rolls for breakfast (this prego mom was not up for that...Rhodes came to the rescue!) He loved his homemade cards and a few things we got for him. He is really excited to receive the priesthood soon and pass the sacrament! We treated him to Golden Corral (it's what he wanted more than anything, friend party will be after schools back in session). The boys were all off the sugar fast and they sure went CRAZY with the sweets. They got sung to, including Jared who stood up on a chair (like they had asked Wes to do). Good times.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from the Wilson's. We all voted and everyone loved the silly looking picture best. Grateful that we could pull off a few colors that matched and enjoy Melissa's porch! Love my crazy clan and the love that we share.

December Random

 This is always the busiest month of the year! Service projects, dinners, parties, etc. Isaac discovered a website to help him color and draw and he LOVES it, making beautiful artwork now. The Halladays are some 2-3 cousins nearby and we always enjoy spending time together. Ruby gets lots of cuddles from whomever she wants, on her terms. Usually Austin is the preferred "bruder." I bought some fun books for each child this Christmas. Dad also got pretty stressed out during finals, so the boys gave him loves during one especially stressful night.Sub for santa, gingerbread houses, etc.