Good-bye 2013

I have to say that 2013 was a really great year.  I'm not surprised...13 has always been my lucky number. Looking back at my blog it doesn't seem like much happened.  In fact, I posted the least amount of posts ever this year.  I have to say, I'm completely fine with that.  I lived this year.  I had SO much fun and did a lot of really awesome things I never thought I would and spent every free second I had with two of the best kids ever created.  We attended lots of weddings and spent time with all the people that really matter most to me in my life.  I made lots of health goals and have met every single one of them.  I have TWO amazing jobs...with amazing friends at each one.  I have the most incredible family.  I have my health and honestly there is not much more you could ask for.  I'm truly blessed and so very thankful for all of it.  Thank you 2013 for being such an awesome year.

Christmas

We had the MOST mellow Christmas this year and I have to say I LOVED IT!!!  I'm not kidding when I say it was mellow.  We spent very little money and just focused on the things that mattered and I have to say I couldn't have been happier.  My kids spent a lot of time and thought on their presents and were VERY thankful for the very humble spread they received.  It was a year I won't forget.  There aren't many pictures because I didn't take many.  I was too busy enjoying every second.  

I did, however, capture this moment!  My parents bought Kylee a real guitar and my dad has started teaching her how to play it.  You can't really tell from the picture but it's a real, wooden guitar, with real strings.  The body of the guitar is pink and the neck and frets are purple.  Kylee is in love with it.  I love that my dad is teaching her to play and that the guitar came from him.  Talk about special!!!  I'm so lucky to have such great parents.  

This was my favorite gift!!!  You might not be able to tell, but it's a Stanley Cup shaped air popcorn maker.  It is freaking awesome.  And makes the best popcorn.  The only problem is...I'm addicted.  I eat a bowl (with real butter) pretty much every night.  SO GOOD!!!

It was a super mellow holiday and I wouldn't have had it any other way.  

Winter Fun

Sorry - when you blog quickly from your phone, you get a lot less detail.  Plus I'm trying to get caught up...so here's the quick version of some fun winter activities we did this year.  

We LOVED the Electric Light Parade in Ogden.  It was our first time attending this event although we have walked around the Christmas Village many times in the past.  My kids loved the parade.  We may just have to make it a family tradition.  

I am so thankful for my little sister.  I don't know what I would do without her.  

We had a way fun time making gingerbread houses one night.  

Cannon started eating his shortly after I took the picture.  

He thought it was awesome.  

I know all parents love their kids but I really think mine are the best kids around.  They are so much fun!!! I get asked all the time how I can stand being a "single parent" since Curtis is always gone but I honestly wouldn't trade it for the world.  My kids make everything fun and are just such awesome people.  There is no one I'd rather be with.  

Oregon

My cousin Brecken and the WSU wildcats were playing in The Big Sky Championship in Hillsboro Oregon. I took advantage of the fact that it was close to my sister and my dear friend and took a little trip without the hubs or kids. It's no secret that I love Oregon!!! It is probably one of my most favorite places in the US.
These are all the pictures I took with my phone.  I love that I can blog from my phone.  It's totally awesome. 

I also love my Aunt and Uncle.  They mean the world to me.  

It was lots of fun to get to hang out with them.  

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED running in the morning in Oregon.  So gorgeous and the crisp, clean air was so refreshing.  Running at sea level feels like a piece of cake too.  It was extremely enjoyable.  The picture above is of the road Holly lives on.  So awesome.

My friend Holly and her family moved to Oregon a year or so ago and bought an amazing farm.  I got to stay in their guest house (It was really as fancy as it sounds too) and loved hanging out with her and her adorable family.  

Holly took me to downtown Portland (in a Corvette I might add) and treated me to an amazing dinner.  I love that we can go a long time without seeing or talking to each other and just pick up like no time has passed at all.  She is dear to my heart and I am so blessed to have her in my life.  I can't wait to take my kids out to her farm sometime in the very near future.  

I had the bright idea to run up Multnomah falls the morning of the big game.  I was all alone and have hiked these falls many times.  Last year when we stopped up there on our way to the Eisenbarth Family Vacation, they told his there had been a big mudslide and that the trail was closed.  The trail has since been repaired, but has changed as well.  I ran up these falls in no time and COMPLETELY missed the trail to the lookout.  I kept thinking I would be reaching the top soon but the trail just kept on going and going.  

When I got to this bridge I knew that I had somehow missed the lookout and had definitely gone farther than I had intended.  The scenery was so gorgeous, I just kept on running on the trail, thinking I would turn around at some point.  

Most of the time there wasn't even anyone else on the trail with me (which now seems really stupid of me). I didn't have a water bottle or anything.  Not the best or safest thing I've ever done.  I came across some real hikers and they told me I was crazy and that I was on Larch Mountain and had probably ran about 6 miles.  I decided to turn around and get back down the mountain so I wouldn't miss the game.  It was my most favorite run to date.  Even if my 2 mile run turned into 12.  :)  

Can't wait to go back!!!

October

        

 

October was a fun month. I went to a fun Halloween party with some friends and just happened to run into a very dear friend of mine I've had since Jr. High.  So very awesome.  

Cannon makes everything we do so fun.  I helped him carve this pumpkin (following a very awesome pattern) and he thought it was the coolest thing ever.  That kid makes me smile so much.  

We of course spent Halloween night at my moms like usual. We just can't resist the homemade doughnuts.  I keep thinking the kids will want to be their own thing for Halloween but this year they still wanted to do a family theme. 

Cannon is really into Ninja's and Kylee loved the idea.  So we were a family of ninja's this year and had a great time.  I will just keep treasuring the time I have with these cute kids.  I'm so lucky!!!

I'm a Personal Trainer

So about a year ago I started going to spin class as part of a Boot Camp that I was in. The trainer is one of the most awesome people I have ever met. We became quick friends and she talked me into becoming certified to teach at her spin studio. Then she talked me into becoming certified to teach her boot camps and help with the personal training. It has been one of the coolest things that I have ever done. I have made a lot of lifelong friends and it has changed my life forever. 

Come work out with me sometime!!! 

This picture is awful but it's 5 o'clock in the morning, what do you expect?!? 

Happy Birthday Kylee!!!

Oh man I probably shouldn't be writing this post right now.  I'm super emotional about my baby girl turning 7!  Time is just going by way too fast...although I wouldn't change a thing either.  This little girl is most definitely one of the best things that has ever happened to me.  She is the sweetest, smartest, kindest, BEST kid.  I am so incredibly lucky to be her mom.  I am amazed every day just how awesome she is and I am loving watching her learn and grow.  She is one awesome kid!!!

My Aunt Pam posted this picture of Kylee on facebook today.  So sweet of her.  I miss her being so little so badly, but also love the adorable person she is becoming.  

Like usual I let her pick everything we did on her special day.  Of course, she had to go to school for part of it...there was no choice there.  She gave out tubes of mini M&M's to everyone in her class and they spotlighted her and had everyone in the class make her a handmade birthday card.  It was so fun for her to come home with 24 different birthday cards to read through.  Then she picked dinner at Olive Garden, a bike ride to the park where we played for awhile, and then a dance party in her room.  I offered to do a birthday party with friends for her and she told me she just wanted to hang out with me and Cannon.  Seriously such a sweet kid.  

She really is one of my best friends too.  

I hope that never changes.  

Kylee Amanda, I really appreciate all you do for our family.  You are the world's best helper and such a great example for your little brother.  I feel like from day one in your life you have been making up for my weaknesses, yet you never complain and always rise to any challenge placed in front of you.  You are the most incredible kid.  I thank Heavenly Father every day for letting me be your mom.  

I LOVE YOU KYLEE!!!

Another Adventure - Park City

I've lost count....but another one of my adventures this year was a girls only trip to Park City with 2 of my favorite friends. It came the weekend right after Em's wedding and it was just the relaxation and stress free party I needed.  :)  Don't get me wrong, the wedding was incredibly gorgeous and fun but a lot of work and it was so fun to just get out and go crazy with my favorite girls.

These girls make me laugh so hard.  I'm not going to blog many details...because what happens in Park City stays in Park City...but we had one awesome night!!!  

I love you Jess and Nikki so very, very much!!!