Looks so Yummy...

...I could just dig in!

With all this candy and yummy sweets, and it being Christmas time, it could only mean one thing...

Gingerbread Houses!
Nana asked who wanted to make some gingerbread houses, and not one person said "no" because with the serious candy house building, that also means a lot of taste testing.

I am not sure what had more candy in them; the gingerbread houses OR the kids!!
When we were done and our bellies were full, we were all proud of our masterpieces. I have to admit, I have never seen such a good looking, yummy neighborhood ever!

Sunday Best...

... at Christmas Time.

(I have to admit, we are a pretty good-looking family when we all clean up.)

We want to wish all a very merry Christmas.

We hope health, good memories, abundance of blessings, and love will come your way this holiday.

May you remember the true meaning of this holiday season; that we celebrate our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

May the love from our Savior and the example He set for us, be remember this holiday and everyday throughout the follow year.

With Love,

The Springers

Finding that silver-lining.

When life gives you snow,

You better make the best of it and make a snowman.

Best Christmas Concert this year!

(BUT, don't let David Archuleta know that I said that.)

Early today, Delanie's 1st grade class gave all of the parents a wonderful gift of songs and stories.

You better believe that I was there front and center ready with the camera, I wasn't going to miss this for the world.

The class did a great job. You can tell the kids have worked hard to learn the words and music. They were proud to be able to share this program with us.

It was the perfect way to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

Oh, Christmas Tree...

I have wanted to put up the Christmas tree even before Thanksgiving, but I have refrain... maybe because it makes me so long to do OR maybe because I am just extra excited for Christmas this year, either way, today is the day the tree will go up and be decorated.Before...just an ugly fake tree, but with my helpers and myself (Dan was there helping too, but not in any pictures. We make this a family thing, even though I have to admit, I get a heart attack when the kids touch my ornaments.) we took control of the decorations and turned that into THIS!
AFTER.
You have to notice that it was light out when we started and now look, dark outside.

I am glad it's done, but one of my favorite things that I will be looking forward to this holiday season is when the fire place is on, there is no lights on except the glow of the Christmas tree. I am snuggled on the couch with my blanket and a yummy mug full of peppermint hot cocoa.

I am ready for Christmas!

The Holidays can begin...

He's Back!

Junior Ho is HERE once again!

We have had Santa's elf Junior Ho since 2007 and ever year since then he comes into our home, sits and watches the kids during the day to see if they are behaving, and then at night, off he flies to the north pole to report to Santa on how the kids were that day.

In the morning, the kids get excited to see where Junior Ho is hiding from he flight back from the North Pole and make it a game to see who can find him first.

Dan and I enjoy listening from our bed each morning to the excitement of the kids and the magic that Junior Ho brings into our home. Every now and then, I even see the kids talk to Junior Ho and tell him their wants and wishes from Santa.

Every year from now on till I am old and gray, Junior Ho will be in our home at Christmas time and make wonderful Christmas memories; plus it is also a nice bribe to make sure the kids are being nice and listening to me, keeping up on their homework and chores.

Junior Ho is always welcomed in our home.

Thankfulness: Day 24

Traditions.

With Thanksgiving coming this week, the kids know that a certain visitor will be coming to our home after the turkey dinner and our tummys are full... Junior Ho.
The excitement of Christmas being right around the corner is having the kids think about what they want Santa, but also having our very own Christmas elf "watching" the kids.

Delanie made her Christmas list and wanted it to be done and ready for Junior Ho so he could take it back to Santa.

Traditions in our home are fun and we look forward with each holiday season to keep the traditions on going. I hope that some of these traditions will pass down to my kid's kid.

Thankfulness: Day 23

My Washer and Dryer.

With four kids, a husband, and myself, that equals 6 people living under one roof, so that means lots of clothes to clean...there for, I would be silly not to included my heavy duty RED washer and dryer.

I feel like I am ALWAYS doing laundry and trying to stay on top of putting clothes away. I HATE doing laundry; if I didn't have my washer and dryer, it would take that much longer...so if I have to do laundry, I am grateful for my washer and dryer and for making my job as a mom a little bit more easy.

Thankfulness: Day 22

My Cameras.

You can say I will NEVER miss the opportunity of capturing the perfect moment.
I always have some kind of camera on me and I am grateful for my so called "toys."

It could be my SLR Canon when I want to take a fun photo shoot or my awesome orange Pentax underwater camera that takes fun pictures when we swim. Dan recently surprised me with my Canon G10 that has a 20x zoom. That is what I took on our Disney trip. I carry some kind of camera always in my purse as well as on my phone.

Call me crazy, but I always want to be able to have those special memories saved; even thought time won't stop, I can capture a certain moment forever.

Thankfulness: Day 21

Reality TV.

I have to admit, I am a Reality TV junkie. I love everything about Reality TV.

Yes, I have my favorites; Project Runway, Amazing Race, The Apprentice, and American Idol to name a few.

I Love watching the "Red Carpet" to see who's who and what "they" are wearing before the actual award show starts.

There is nothing better then to throw on some cozies, grab a blanket, sit down on the couch, and doing nothing (not even having to think is a nice plus) and be entertained.

Hence, I am grateful for lazy nights with something to watch on the "tube."

Thankfulness: Day 20

Movie Premieres.

First, I need to say...I ♥ Team Jacob!

Now that I got that out in the open, I can say that I am grateful for friends, movies, night time get-a-ways, silly "mom" crushes, movie popcorn without the butter, a diet coke in my hand, and a cheesy, yet entertaining teeny bopper vampire/WEREWOLF love story.

Thankfulness: Day 19

My Phone.

Call me crazy, but I am thankful to have this piece of technology.

My phone has every bit of info I need to function during the day...
From birthdays, addresses, to every one's phone number, a calendar, a camera so I don't miss any moment needed to be captured, and even the internet. It is all there at the touch of my finger.
With me always on the go, I rarely ever use my "home" phone. My cell phone is like another body part; which is never leaves my side.
You need to get a hold of me? Best bet, call my cell.
You know that one is a mess, when if you lost your phone, and you wouldn't be able to know what to do with yourself...
Well, I hate to admit it, but that is 100% me.
I NEED my phone.

Thankfulness: Day 18

Them.

That was THEN: 2005...
...AND this is NOW:2009

How quickly time goes by; it is hard to believe that today we get to celebrate Carson and Cassidee turning 4.

Happy Birthday you two!

I love these two kiddos so much, even though they keep me on my toes with the daily adventures that they can come up with; their newest adventure would be both of them taking the 20+ crystal light mix-ins, cutting off the tops with scissors, and "trying" to make their own juice with bottled water, all while I was in the shower. BIG MESS and I didn't find the humor to stop and take a picture. There was red dye all over my kitchen...

...but hey, think just how dull and boring, quite and lonely my days would be without them.

These two show my how to enjoy life to the fullest, how a hug can make everything better again, that is is OK to dance off beat, to be loud and make funny faces, how your best friend is always a yell away, and how to enjoy every moment; because the next thing you know is your babies are turning 4.

I am grateful for the opportunity to be Carson and Cassie's mom.

I LOVE THEM.

Thankfulness: Day 17

The Ability to Give.

I don't think my kids realize just how good they have it, they will walk into the pantry and look around in there, letting me know that "there is nothing to eat" or that they are hungry, or when they do finally figure out what they want, they will leave the wrapper on the ground or ask for more...so for family night yesterday, I wanted to let the kids know that they are truly lucky and they are blessed with many things.

We talked about how there are kids at their school how don't have the choice on what to eat for dinner, if they can even eat dinner that night or a warm coat to wear or even warm shoes on their feet.

The kids are doing a food drive this week at school and wanted to help, so we went to the grocery store and fill a cart with food to share with others.

I know that I got a good feeling knowing that I am able to help others that may need some extra help out this holiday season. The kids had a good time reading the list and putting the food into groups for them to take to school.

It might have been only around $40.00 bucks to us, but to someone who is in need, this food will be a meal and be priceless for them.

I am grateful for the opportunity to help others when I can and need to find that "spirit of giving" more often, I know that little by little, we can make a difference in others lives.

Thankfulness: Day 16

Money in the Bank.

Today especially thanks to the unsettling facts of what will become of the economy, I am grateful for having money in the bank. It may not be as as much as we use to have, but with Dan being a hard worker for his family, he is able to provide for our "needs" and even now and then, some "wants."

My Dad, after working almost 30+ years at the Albany Paper Mill, has learned that the Mill is closing it's doors as of Dec. 15 of this year. What a surprise this was for him and many others that need the work. My Dad is in a somewhat positive position, technically, he can retire, but that was part of my parent's "plan."

Life has a way of changing "plans" on us without any notice, so that is why I am grateful to know, Money is nice and you can buy pretty sparkly things with it or high tech electrics, but right now, I find a better happiness knowing that I have alittle money in the bank.

Thankfulness: Day 15

My Family.

When the going gets tough and even a little rough, Family is always there.

When you need a laugh or a smile, Family is always there.

When you need a hug or a listening ear, Family is always there.

I am grateful for MY Family.

I am lucky and extremely blessed to have them in my life.

I have this saying on my wall that says,

"We may not have it all together...but together we have it all."

I have to admit, our little family is crazy with chaos here and there, and they keep me on my toes; the TV show, Everyone loves Raymond, is totally our family in so many ways, but honestly, I wouldn't want it any other way.

I Love My Family.

Thankfulness: Day 14

A Good Deal.

With the holidays coming and having four kiddos to pleases, every "good deal" is too good to pass up and not jump on.

With help from my personal "lookout" I was informed, with these 3 coupons, I was able to get the Blue Ray, DVD, and a digital copy of Monster Inc. and the new release of Up for a total of $22.00! The total would have been easily over $50 without my coupons.

Gotta love and appreciate a good deal.

Thankfulness: Day 13

FRIDAYS.

After a long crazy week, Fridays can always make things better.
It is the start of the weekend; where I can finally sleep in, have Dan help me with the kids, really have no plans, if I don't want to, or run all my errands all by myself.

Where the kids can stay in their cozies all day and I really don't care.

Weekends are a time where I even get a uninterrupted nap. Who doesn't love those, and even a date night or two with Dan, which is always a plus.

So, today being Friday...put your hands up, for the weekend is almost here and I am so very grateful for that!

Thankfulness: Day 12

Music.

I ♥Heart♥ Music.
I can remember from way back when, music was always a part of my life. I was in choir, played the piano for many years, (which I hated at the time...I should have listened to my mom and stuck with it. One regret I have.) and had all kinds of musical genres playing through my house all throughout my life.

I can remember watching Michael Jackson's Thriller with my dad on the living room floor in awe.
Who couldn't help not sign along to Elvira, by the Oakridge boys.
I can remember wearing my Easter bonnet and dancing around my personal "stage" in the entry way to Billy Joel's Uptown Girl.
And when I had a broken heart from a dumb boy, Roxette would sing, "It must have been love, but it's over now," and somehow I knew that all would be ok.
Or driving up "Booya Hill" after leaving Sprauge High School with my windows down, rockin' out to "I'll be missing you." P Diddy really could sing and I would think I totally could be his personal backup singer.
Music is amazing.
I love how someone can write words on paper and then have music put to them and presto...you have a song. Something that can move you to tears, or even have you get down and dirty.

Music will never die in my house and I hope that I can share with my kids my love and gratitude for music.

Thankfulness: Day 11

My Freedom.

Today being Veteran's Day, I would be selfish if I didn't say Thank You to all the past and present men and women out there sacrificing their lives for my freedom.

Their willingness to stand up for our country and serve; fighting for our freedom is an extreme gift to us, the American people.

I am deeply Thankful and Grateful for them.

Thank You.

Thankfulness: Day 10

Full Tank of Gas.

I am grateful for the little surprises that Dan leaves for me, like jumping into my car, thinking I need to stop and get gas before I have to run errands, and there was already a full tank a gas already there

I am grateful for the little things and surprises.

Thankfulness: Day 9

Bottled Water.

Call me a Water snob, but after living in Oregon for so many years; and growing up on the best water EVER...I am so picky on what my water taste like and though I love everything about Utah, one thing I can't stand it the water from the tap...

Hence, living in Utah, I have to be grateful for the option of being able to buy bottled water.

Thankfulness: Day 8

Ross.

A bad day at Ross is better then a good day a work...Nuff Said.
That is how much I need Ross. If I am having a bad day or just need to slip away Ross is the place where I can make everything better again.
Who wouldn't love finding that pair of shoes for under $20.00 or even a new darling shirt for no more then $10.00.
I LOVE it when I can leave with a bag full of clothes for pennys on the dollar.
Ross is my lifesaver, and who wouldn't be grateful for one of those.

Thanksfulness: Day 7

a "Girl's Only" weekend.

What more can I say...I am thankful for a "Ladies SWINE '09 Getaway."

A weekend full of fun and laughs and no kids. It was nice to get out of "mom" mode for a weekend and be able to sleep in, play with friends, scrapbook, and make memories.

(I am grateful for a husband who let me go and play as well.)

For this reason of being able to have girl's getaways, I enjoy being a girl.

Thankfulness: Day 6

Utah's DRY weather.

Today, and my entire trip to Oregon has been wet. The Rain has not stopped and boy, it is getting old. It is dark, cold, and rainy, something I am not use to.

Yes, it is green and pretty with all the trees, but I have realized that I am no longer a Oregonian.

If anything, it makes me even more grateful for the dry and sunshine we get in Utah.

Utah will always be home, Oregon will now just be a place to visit, even if it does rain all the time. I can always find my silver-lining knowing that Utah will be dry and waiting for me to come home.

Thankfulness: Day 5

Good ol' Oregon "Goodies".

Every time I get to go back and visit Oregon, I have my "favorite" places that are a MUST to go and experience all over again.

I {heart} Paddington's Pizza.

We have nothing like it here in Utah, so you better believe that I stop in for my very own personal whippersnapper pizza and I am not embarrassed to say, I will eat it all. Sharing is not an option...so you better get your own.

Another favorite is Dunkin' Dountnut (or they call it Daylight doughnuts because they don't want to pay royalties). With sooooo many choices, I find that it is easier to just get all the munchkins.
Oh, and last but not least, I gotta have my Dutch Bros. smoothie.

You know what they say, a full belly is a happy belly.

So, I am thankful for the yummy goodies that bring happiness to me and my belly. I know that these will always be waiting for me when I go back home for a visit and these places can count on me for being there, maybe even more then once in the same visit.

Thanksfulness: Day 4

Diet Coke.

Nothing like starting my day off right with a Diet Coke.

When the going gets tough and rough, there is nothing a Diet Coke can't fix.

Pour me a tall one with extra ice (Styrofoam cup is even more a plus) and don't forget the straw and there you have it...Perfection!

If you even are wondering what to get a girl who has it all...a Diet Coke is the perfect answer. I would never turn one of those away or think that I have too many of those, or say "Shoot, it just doesn't fit."

Oh, all this talk of my Diet Coke is making my happy and thirsty. Better go, my diet coke is waiting for me...can't keep a good thing waiting.

Thankfulness: Day 3

MY BED.

After a long day of playing "mom" and "wife" who wouldn't be grateful for a king size bed with a comfortable mattress, an electric blanket with 2 other cozy warm blankets, and to top it off, a down comforter.

(a set of clean fresh sheets are even a bigger plus)

Mornings are not a favorite when I have to get up and out of my very own piece of heaven on earth.

Thankfulness: Day 2

My Health.

Knock on wood, at this very minute in time, on this very day, none of us here in the Springer Family under our roof, have the flu, the nasty swine flu, a cough, the common cold, not even a running nose.

I Know, we are lucky at this point...being sick is like a ticking time bomb. BOOM! and you are out of energy, sore throat, upset tummy, the aches with a high fever.

Being sick is not fun, in fact, it just plan stinks...so I need to say I am so grateful for our health.

A whole month of Thankfulness

With this being the month of November,

it's a time where we need to remember just how lucky we are and the blessings that are in our lives.

So, I am going to make a personal goal;

For everyday this month, I am going to post one thing each day, something that brings me happiness and what I am truly grateful for.

So, with today being the first and that it falls on a Sunday, I want to start my "Thankfulness" list with what I believe:

The gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

I am grateful to have the gospel in my life. I am blessed to have the knowledge of what I know. I know that I am not the smartest person ever, but I do know the testimony that I do have of the church is real and strong. I may not know the church history like I should, but the simple gospel principals, I know are true.

Here is my personal testimony of the gospel.

I know that Families are important and through the gospel of Jesus Christ, we can be together forever. What a special promise that is.

I know that through the Power of Prayer, great things and miracles can happen. I can personal testify of this. I know that prayers do get answered, even though it may not be the way we want, but Heavenly Father knows what is in our best interest. He loves us. He wants us to be the best that we can, be happy, and return to live with him one day.

I know that we have a living prophet who is called of God and the things that he testifies of are true. You can feel it when he speaks. The love that he has for the church and Christ is an example to me.

I know that Heavenly Father is awear of us and that he has a plan for us all. Sometimes in life we may be dealt with hardship, and wonder why we are. It is easy to get upset and frustrated, but you can do one of two things. 1. pout and get mad at the world. Rebel and find hatred toward your personal battle OR 2. learn and grow from the experience. Find the positive in your hardship. Know that somewhere someone has it worse then you. I know that all things, good and bad happen for a reason...it is up to us on how we determine on the outcome of the hardship.

I know these things are true as well as the church itself. I know that I have a long ways to become like Christ, but I am learning and growing each day and I want my family and friends to know the blessing we get from going to church and doing what we are asked, is worth more then any riches and prizes out in the world. What we obtain from church will help us through this crazy life and lead us to our most awesome goal: eternal life.

I leave these things (all though I know it is a bit heavy, it is what I believe is true) to think about and ponder, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Now you know why I am so thankful for the gospel in my life.

The spooks were out tonight.

Trick Or Treat.

I am such a sucker. With everyone around us sick with the swine flu, I thought I had out smart my kids, and it would have worked IF I wasn't such a softy.

See, I was going to take the kids to the store, allowing them to each pick out a bag of candy IF they didn't go trick or treating due to all the people in the neighborhood.

Surprisingly, the kids agreed and I thought I was so tricky.

Well, I think that the pictures tell another story...hence why I am a sucker.

As the evening was growing darker, I started to feel a bit guilty, as if I was going to take away a happy childhood memory for the kids. I wouldn't want to scar them for life.

5:00 comes and the kids and I have a talk; pretty much goes like this.

Me: "Kids come here"

Kids come in a runnin': "What?" (echoing 4 different times)

Me: "Get your costumes on and don't ask why, just do it, if you know what's good for you."

Kids run aways cheering.

Me: "Only a few houses and we get to pick where you go and for how long" (which was just a waste of breath, because they didn't hear, they were all out of the room faster then I could even get the words out.)

...And the rest of the night went nothing as planed.

They were out too long, got way too much candy, ran wild, and had the best night ever in their minds.

Hey, isn't that what Halloween is all about.

***I have to add, I even had a few people ask the girls if they were the "Swine Flu" which I had to laugh about. I didn't even think about that. Silly Swine Flu.***

Rawrrrrr

I'm not "Lion"

I have the CUTEST niece ever!

You can't scare me away: I will be your favorite Auntie always.
Love YOU Kinlee Rae.

Kinlee's 1st Halloween - Little Lion

Nuff Said...

"THIS IS IT!"

Us ladies, got on our dancin' shoes and our buckets of popcorn to watch the new release of the tribute to Michael Jackson.

The This Is It"concert which was going to take place in Europe, but he died before it happened, so the movie was documentary style of the "what would be" concert.

I was in heaven; I had my girlfriends, a big diet coke, a tub of non-buttered popcorn, and my very own "MJ" glove. I was ready to enjoy the show. We went to the late night showing and with the movie being over 2 hours, we got out of the theater after midnight. I loved it. I wanted to see more. 2 hours wasn't enough.

A true musical talent, Michael Jackson was.

We were having so much fun even after the movie was over that none of us wanted to go home, so we sat in our car in front of our homes, listening to music and talking about what girls talk about. (Not boys anymore, old school songs were the pick of the night and we would giggle and sing along as we did way back when.)

With me seeing the movie, it was my final way to say my good-byes, kinda like my very own closer. I know, goofy, but hey, what can I say except, What else would a fan do, AND I had a great excuse to hang with some friends and have a fun night.

In Honor Of:

Michael Jackson.

"JUST BEAT IT"

Soup N' Scoop 2009

Tonight there was warm yummy chicken noodle soup cooking while there was snow on the ground...

...and all had to be gone before the pumpkin carvin' can begin.

I know I am such a mean mom, but it was a great bribe to have the kids eat their entire dinner with little complaints.

Well, the kids are old enough to do pretty much the whole thing by themselves; cleaning, gutting, drawing the face, and cutting with the help of dad.

The pumpkins weren't the only thing smiling tonight.

The kids had a blast and were very proud of all their hard work.
With Halloween right around the corner, the excitement from the kids are growing. They can't wait to dress up and go trick or treating. I am crossing my fingers that the weather will hold out for the kids sake of having fun and my sake for staying warm walking the neighborhood.

I'm not ready yet...

SNOW ALREADY!

Looks like today we get to celebrate two seasons at one time: Fall AND Winter.