13yr old boys

Everyday I pick up Joshua and his best friend, Andrew from school. They both sit in the back and have the most interesting conversations. They never stay on one topic for more than a few seconds. I like to listen to these conversations and I often find myself laughing quietly. Today the subjects of interest were: albinos, reverse albino-ism(what?), tacos Hernandez, mutated tigers, capture the flag, and this little diddy....

Joshua: Did you know that fingers are as easy to bite into as carrots?
Andrew: Yes, except the human brain stops you from actually doing it.

miles logged

Cary got me this super cool watch for Christmas. I LOVE it! It tracks my speed, routes, heart rate, time, and calories burned when I run....or walk. I can then upload all my activities to Garmin Connect and it tracks everything for me. I can see the the progress I have made over the week, month, and year. It is awesome! I got a slow start in January but this month I logged 17 activities and 58.08 miles...3.26 of those were walking and the other 54.something were running. :)

baby, it's cold outside

The Polar Vortex is back and has made it's way down to Texas. Sam stayed by the fire all day yesterday in his cute little sweater.

Today I froze my rear off volunteering at Braeden's soccer tournament. 3 pair of gloves, 2 shirts, 1 sweatshirt, 2 pair of pants, 2 pair of socks, 2 coats, a scarf, earmuffs, a hat, a blanket, and hot chocolate....and I was still cold.

New Beginnings 2014

New Beginnings was last night. We chose the theme "Adventure Awaits" taken from the Disny/Pixar movie UP. It turned out super cute and I think the girls loved it. The original idea came from here. My remarks were based on a talk from Elder Carl B. Cook titled "It is Better to Look Up".

New Year's Eve 2013

While Braeden was dancing the night away at a New Year's Eve dance....

This is how the other two clowns celebrated....

Christmas 2013

Christmas Eve my parents joined us along with the Flores family and we made our traditional tamales. We love this tradition that we began about 4 years ago. We have so much fun as we talk, eat, exchange gifts, and make tons of tamales. Cary's parents joined us later in the day so they could be here for Christmas morning. It was a good day and fun memories were made. (Kate has been the designated picture taker on our tamale making day the last few years.....hence no Kate.)

The boys pretty much do "boy stuff" all day long. Video games is at the top of that list along with a little bit of wrestling with some airsoft gun wars thrown in.

Kate told me to pose...this is the best I could do. :)

PEACE!

The much anticipated Christmas morning......

Stocking stuffers are my favorite...

Sam got a new sweater

Kate has entered the world of texting. Yes, she got a phone.

I look forward to this every year. The story book basket my mom does.

Braeden is ready for Philmont.

Nana and Grandpa Jones

It was another very good year. We have been so blessed!