Goodbye 2010.

We know how to party.
With 2010 about to be over, we were going to have fun together.

We became "party animals" while playing the game "Guess who I am."

We had fun making caramel apples.
And when midnight hit and 2011 was here, it wouldn't be a party unless we were counting down from 10 and celebrating the New Year with Dick Clark and all of the thousands of people in New York City.
With the New Year here, I look forward to what 2011 will bring.
Here's to a year of
Health,
Happiness,
Love,
Family,
Attending the temple weekly,
Trying new things,
Trying to Get fit,
my FREEDOM,
Becoming a better person/friend,
Togetherness,
Maybe a trip or two, (hint hint Dan)
Bring on 2011!

The longest three minutes.

I didn't realize just how long three minutes was and what things I can think up and run with in my head during the three L-O-N-Gest minutes of wondering...

* What the Hell!

* I can't be two weeks late!

* I had my tubes tied.

* I am done having babies!

* I don't want this!

* I was going to be "free" this Sept. when ALL four kids start school.

* I don't have any baby things anymore.

* I like to sleep through the nights!

* I like to sleep in!

* INSURANCES.

* NOOOOOOO!

* I don't want this!

* Freedom is gone.

* NOT Diapers again.

* What if it's twins? AGAIN!!!

* Baby names. Really???

* Four kids is a lot of work already.

* Dan, this is YOUR fault!

* Hurry up time.

* I want to know the answer.

* I am scared to look.

* Stupid dollar store test, just how accurate are you?

* I can't believe that I have to actually be wondering this.

Well, for heaven sakes, who knew that my entire future could have changed in three minutes.

Looks like everything will be just fine.

Dan won't get in trouble this time.

I can still enjoy my sleep.

Life can still go on, baby free.

Maybe I am just off cycle; it isn't like this time of year adds extra stress. (Wink Wink)

Every Mom's WISH...

CAN'T EVERYONE GET ALONG??!?!?

Well, believe it or not, but after the kids have spent 2 weeks together, on Winter break from school, I have finally got an entire day were everyone got along.
NO Fighting.

No Screaming.
No Yelling.

No Name Calling.

-BUT INSTEAD-

We had crafts, legos, dancing, playing house, and play dough AND it was with all the kids TOGETHER!

I now know that they can do it;

PLAY TOGETHER HAPPILY.

My WISH really can come true, even if it's once every 2 weeks, I will take it when I can get it.

'Till next year...

...Christmas is put away.

Black and silver welcomes in 2011

I love to decorate for the different Holidays and Seasons.

Being inside in a cozy cute house kinda makes you forget that it's cold and snowy outside.

Turn on the fire, grab a book, (or in my case; a romantic comedy) and your cozies and relax in a wonderland winter scape in your own home...

Perfection.

Thanks to Target.

Today, I was able to experiences some of my favorite things...

* I went to Target...a Favorite place to roam and wonder.

(I could spend a long time just walking up and down the aisles.)

* I got to spend some time with my mom, just her and I...Love HER.

* Shopped the after Christmas sales...I LOVE a good deal.

So, thanks to Target, I had a great morning.

Call me crazy, but I am even a bit excited for Christmas NEXT year...

I know, Christmas was just two days ago,

BUT look what I got...

... With Christmas decor at 50% off, I got a new "theme" for my Christmas tree for NEXT year.

See, now you can see why I am a bit excited for Christmas for NEXT year.

Thanks again TARGET for allowing me to do a few of my favorite things with you today.

Christmas Came.

That means......Santa came as well...

The kids are excited.
(Everyone except Carson, who didn't want to wake up; even to open presents. That boy enjoys his sleep.)

...And the mayhem begins at 8 am Wrapping paper is flying.

Kids are screaming with delight.

Santa had delivered.

Kenzie got her camera and craft supplies.

Lanie got her bike and watches.

Carson was happy with his remote control car.

Cassie will be the best mommy with her new baby doll.

Both C&C got their 2 wheel scooter.

Christmas Morning is the Best!

Opa and Oma came down to see us, bringing the kids some fun snow sleds; now we just need some snow. (No white Christmas this year.)
I ♥LOVE♥ Everything about Christmas! (except for the fact that it comes and goes way too fast.)
Merry Christmas to you all!

The Stockings were hung...

...Cookies for Santa are made...

...Christmas jammies are on......Homemade gifts are exchanged...
...Reindeer food is ready to share, so Rudolph will find our house... ...And visions of sugar plums dance in their heads...
...Christmas Eve is done...
We did our part tonight and had some fun,
Now we must fall asleep for Santa is on his way.

The Magic of Christmas.

A normal evening of hanging out at the house, turned into something magical when the front door opened and the sound of jingle bells ring throughout.

Santa Clause came to OUR house for a visit to see if the kids are obeying and to give us an early present; our matching Christmas jammies to be worn on Christmas Eve.

Santa shared a couple Christmas stories with us.

The kids (young and "old") got to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what was on our Christmas wish list this year.

I thought the kids (and even myself) were excited for Christmas to be here, but with a visit from St. Nick, NOW the kids are really jumping around with pure energy of excitement.
Christmas can't come fast enough!

We BELIEVE!

Christmas 2010

A Winter Lesson:

When Life gives you SNOW...

...You must make a snowman (or two)
Looks like the kids can find the good and have some fun with all this snow.

Perfect Timing.

Today is December 21st.

It is also the FIRST day WINTER.

Looks like Old Man Winter was not a moment too soon.
This is what we woke up to this morning.
Maybe it will be a white Christmas after all.

Sending Love and Cheer.

One of my favorite things about Christmas time, is the cards that we get in the mail from our friends, family, and loved ones.

The entire month of December, I actually get excited to get the mail, other then December, the mail can sit in the box for a week at a time.

Can you blame me, who wants bills or junk mail?

Dan and the kids know that I get to open and read the card before anyone else in the family.

There is something about a Christmas letter or card that brings happiness to me.

I enjoy reading what the past year has brought others, but my favorite part is the family pictures which are in the card.

Pictures are a must.

With the convinces of the internet, blogs, and facebook, it is way more easy and cheaper I may add, to "send" a holiday wish or Christmas cheer viral.

BUT I hopefully will always be able to send in the real "snail mail," with a stamp and all, our Springer Christmas card; that is a goal of mine.

It is something that I remember as a kid and something I look forward to every year.

May the tradition of Christmas card sending never die and the gift of sending love and cheer in the mail will continue on.

When Nana is in Town...

...so are the crafts.

Bring on the Paint.

Bring on the Markers.

Bring on the Glue.

Bring on the Glitter.

Bring on the Mess.

Bring on the Smiles.

Bring on the FUN.

The kids know that when Nana comes, her bags are FULL of crafts to make.
Nana will shop at the Dollar Store, Walmart, and Michael's to stock up on different crafts for the kids to make.

The kids have the hardest time to spread out the crafts and work on them while Nana is here; they are so excited, that they want to do them all in one day.

Today's craft was glass ornaments that the kids got to decorate with stickers, ribbon, and glitter. The ornaments are for the kid's very own Christmas tree to decorate with all of their crafts.
So, I can guarantee that with Nana staying for a couple of weeks, the craft making will be staying as well.

BRING ON THE CREATIVITY!

Well WORTH the Wait...

...David and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir preforming TOGETHER.

First, I need to THANK Eliza for another chance to see David.

I got tickets to Thursday nights, (thanks Linda G.) BUT because of the CROWDS of people and the counterfeit tickets that were made, I was unable to get in.
Sad Face.

BUT Eliza surprised me with a pair for Friday night's performance.
After waiting outside in the cold for an hour, which we were second in line...I wasn't going to miss out this time.

ALL Four of us; Curtis, Eliza, Dan, and myself...GOT IN!

MERRY CHRISTMAS to ME!

We then waited for an hour and a half for the concert to start.

Both Curtis and Dan had antsy kids sitting besides them, and I am not talking about Eliza and me. These other kids, couldn't sit still.

I was excited too, but I was able to contain myself a little bit more.

(Here's an Idea...maybe 12 and older for something like this...NOT 8 year olds...just too much waiting for them. Now I will get off my soapbox.)

It was BEAUTIFUL!

I swear Angels were singing.

David was AWESOME. (as always.)

Even the President Monson was in attendance.

I was moved to tears with the song Silent Night.
It was a perfect way to welcome in the Christmas Season.

Here is a glimpse of Temple Square during Christmas time with all the thousands of lights.
Between the choir performing, the lights on Temple Square, and the chill in the air, if this doesn't get you into the Christmas Spirit, then nothing will.

Remember, Jesus is the Season!

(Thanks for the pictures...I was able to get the pictures and use them from the Fans of David website.)

The Best little Christmas Program EVER.

Today was C&C's preschool Christmas program and I had a range of different feelings during it.

Tired = I had to moved them both in their "Sunday Dress" by 8:45 am

Hurried = we are going to be late.

Anxious = Are they going to get their lines right?

Moved to tears = the spirit there was so strong and special.

Sad = This is our last preschool Christmas program ever.

Happy = They did a great job.

Grateful = Carson & Cassie have the best teacher ever and she truly loves each of her students

Loved = These two gave Dan and I darling hand print snowman ornaments.

Proud = I love these two kids so very much.

Thank You Carson and Cassie for sharing the Christmas spirit with me and making this a Christmas program that brought me to many emotions.

Turning back the clock.

UGLY.

TACKY.

TINSEL.

FESTIVE VELOUR.

CHRISTMAS VESTS.

FEATHERED HAIR.

THROW BACK to the 90's.

=

AWESOME PARTY FUN!

Santa Clause is coming to town.

AND today, that TOWN, happens to be OUR town.

At our ward Christmas breakfast, Santa, himself made a quick visit to to have the kids sit on his lap and listen to what they want for Christmas.

My kiddos took the opportunity to ask Santa for what they really him to put under the tree on Christmas morning.

Mackenzie asked for craft stuff.

Delanie asked for a bike.
Carson wants a remote control car.

Cassie is asking for a baby doll.

We'll have to see if the kids have been good and if Santa can deliver these big wishes.

O HOLY NIGHT...

Springer Style.

Tonight was the Springer Christmas Party.

When there are 29 grandkids and 17 adults, a "Holy Night" is hard to come by,

BUT, it something that we try to accomplish each year at Christmas time.

There are kids that are too shy or too old to join in the fun.

They are kids that are too anxious to hold still during the reading from the scriptures.

There are tears being shed by some kids.

There are kids that want to be Mary and feelings get hurt.

Kids running around the gym.

Parents trying to figure out just how the costumes go on the kids.

There are kids that are too old to dress up.

There are "proud" parents who want to snap the perfect pictures of all the kids and make them hold the poses extra long, which is not the kids favorite.

NO matter what, we know the importance of Christ and even more so around the Christmas season, so stopping for a minute to remember HIM is what is really important.

NOT the silly things that we manage to do to get ready for our annual performance.

It may take longer to get the kids ready then the actually reading of the birth of Christ from the scriptures, but the reading is what is the real reason for the season.

It is good for the kids to know this (and even the parents) and remember our Savior during this time of year.

Thank You Opa for installing this tradition in our family Christmas party.

It is something that I enjoy watching and listening to each year.

So, even though our Springer "Holy Night" is far from the night the Christ was born, it is important we share this tradition with our families each year.

There's no stopping us...

... when we have this tank on our side.

Opa thought it would be fun to have us come out in the middle of nowhere and take a look at this monster tank.

The kids (and Dan) thought it was pretty cool to see a real tank.

The thought of having that piece of machinery coming up to you, firring and destroying everything that comes in it's way.

I can honestly say that I am glad to live in a free country where people have rights, live in peace, and know that we are safe.

Thank you for all the soldiers, men and women, who are willing to fight for our freedom.

Christmas is coming...

...that means it's time to celebrate this holiday season.

The Christmas lights are on the house.Christmas cards are ready to send out.
Junior Ho is back from the North Pole.

The tree is decorated and even has a few presents wrapped under it.

Can you tell that I love this time of year.
I love the special magic that comes with this time of year.
Christmas will be here before we know it.
Remember to enjoy every minute of this holiday season.
I know that we will.

What does Santa's Reindeer eat?

Oh, that's an easy one...

Magical Reindeer Food.

Tonight for Family Night, we gathered around the table and we each had a special job to make this magical food to share with the ones we love.
Carson and Cassie were in charge of the oats in the bag, (with the help of Dan sitting close by.)
(I am not sure what got more oats, the bags or the floor.)
Kenzie was in charge of the candy sprinkles. That is the reindeer's favorite part.
Lanie was the one who added the glitter, so the reindeer will see the food from the sky as they fly way up high.
I was in charge of added the the poem with the directions, so people know just how to use the magical reindeer food.
Together, we make a pretty good team and you better believe that we even made a little extra to throw on our very own lawn on Christmas Eve for the reindeer to see.
We wouldn't want the reindeer to forget us and fly right over our house. ;)

Who's sleeping in Nana's/Pappy's bed...

...That would be Carson AND Cassie.

See, at our house, the "guest bed" is the most coveted bed in the house, whether Nana or Pappy are here to sleep in it or not.

We have to have the kids flip a coin for who gets to sleep in the bed each night.

Maybe it's the extra cozy blankets, or maybe, it's because there is a tv in there for the kids to watch before falling asleep.

When Nana is here, the bed becomes even more of a coveted spot to sleep and there are even times where Paps has to trade his bed for the kid's. But, who could say "no" to these two kiddos with those darling faces to wake up to, promising to snuggle you, because they love you.

Looks like these two woke up this morning on the right side of the bed, when they got to sleep in Nana's bed.

Yee-Haw

Let me introduce miss Annie Oakley; sharpest shooter out west...

...aka Mackenzie Joy.

Kenzie's 4th grade class have a book report due each month, well this month, the kids were ask to read a biography; Kenzie was okay with that assignment,

BUT when the second part of the assignment was to dress like the person you learned about and get up in front of the class and do a mini report, that was NOT a favorite for her.

Mackenzie didn't want to do it, but the thought of her getting a bad grade, to her, was a nightmare.

Kenzie was totally out of her comfort zone, BUT she did it!

She was proud of herself and glad when it was over.

Mr O. (her teacher) also was pleased of Kenzie, he said that he could even hear Kenzie during the report.

I guess she is very soft spoken at school...

(WHAT??!?! She is not soft spoken at home.)

BUT,

give Kenzie a craft assignment and that is something she really enjoys!

(Kenzie had two major assignments due within a week...dang! She is only in 4th grade and the holidays are around the corner. Oh well, we/she got them done. I am not a fan of homework. Just saying, but don't the kids hear that.)

Made.

When you add time...

...and patience......with some talent...

...AND a whole bunch of ♥LOVE♥...
Carson & Cassie get handmade extra special quilts from their Oma.

What a very special 5 years old birthday present.

Made just for them to snuggle up in.

You two are LUCKY.

I want an "Oma" quilt to call me own.
I guess being 5 is more lucky then being 30.

(I might just have to steal them when no one is looking.)