First of all, today is my mother in-law Barbara's birthday, so - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! We love you and we are so happy we get to go to your house tonight:)

Well, I didn't realize how incredibly long it had been since the last time I wrote on here, my mother has not said a word... ;-)

Anyway, it has been a crazy week before Christmas. Derick came home on the 17th from Florida:) That Sunday we went to the annual family Christmas party at the Van Dyke's and we had a really good time. I'm not going to go into details about this last week, all I will say is that I am so thankful for Derick and our friend George, and all the hard work they did and that I was able to finish up all my last minute stuff so that we could enjoy our Christmas:) On the 23rd our very good friends, the Potter's came over for dinner. We had an awesome time with them, even after Zane decided to get sick and threw up a few times... Luckily, he was done by 1:30am. That next day all he did was lay on the luv sak, it was so sad to see, everyone that knows him know that that is almost impossible for him to do:) On Christmas Eve, my sister and her family, minus Kristine(we missed you) came over for dinner. We had another great night. We opened presents with the Potter's and the Sprunt's, so by the time Christmas morning came, the kids were pros at opening up presents:) To say that our kids are loved and spoiled is an understatement;} We went to see their grandparents in Sandy that afternoon, and they received more gifts...

We really are incredibly blessed and we are so thankful for this Christmas season when we can reflect more on the Savior and His life, and for Him coming into this world for our sake. Knowing that our kids know the reason for the season is even better, it shows us that they really are listening and paying attention when we tell them things:)

Of course, the one thing that would have made this Christmas even better would have been to have our beautiful Jake here with us. But, we know he is where he gets to spend time with our Savior, so it's kind of selfish of me to wish him here, even though I do...

I am so happy that the kids have this week off from school, and it makes me long for summer, especially since I am so sick and tired of this cold weather and the snow.

If Derick had his way, we would take down all the Christmas decorations and the tree right after the gifts were opened, but I always have to veto that one:) so, I guess that is my project for today. We'll see just how far I get, cause I have laundry to do as well;}

Disney World 2010. This is not a
very clear picture, unfortunately.
We left our nice camera at the
hotel!

McCall in front of the penguins.


Zane by the flamingos. It stunk bad there
cause of their food.



This is the manta ride Derick and McCall went
on that really scared McCall.

Aggravation!!!!!!!!!!! I have no clue what I just did, so now I can't upload any more pictures!!! Hopefully I can figure it out soon, if not I'm going to go to bed!

McCall and Zane in the pool at the Harbour
Lake Resort in Florida.

Zane going down the slide from the pirate ship.

Posting some pics from our trip to Florida.

Today we decided to go to the beach. It's about 1 1/2 hours away and while we were on our way there it started to rain! We continued on anyway and it actually stopped raining long enough for us to get out and walk on the beach:) We went to the Daytona Beach - pictures will come;) Zane has always loved running after the birds on the beach and today was no exception:) He also found .55 cents in the sand, which he of course had to use on 'the claw' as soon as we got back to the hotel. McCall went out into the Atlantic and got pretty wet, but we were prepared this time and we had extra clothes and a towel and blanket in the car.

I was watching "White Christmas" tonight and I love it when Bing Crosby says "when you can't sleep instead of counting sheep count your blessings" So - that is what I am going to do right now, go and count my blessings:)

We went to Sea World today and that was a lot of fun. I could go there all the time, I love it so much. In my opinion it is way better than Disney World. Derick and McCall went on the Manta ride, which McCall was really excited to go on, but after they were done he said "please don't make me go on that one again!" He loves rides like that, so it must have really freaked him out since he did not want to go on it again. I am going to post some pics of it but need to wait until I get home. Zane was not tall enough for that one(thank goodness, cause that meant that I had a very good excuse to not go - Derick is a great sport) They had another ride that completely soaked you, so of course I didn't want to do that one either. The kids and Derick went on it and the only one that got soaked to the bone was McCall. He was kind of miserable after that unfortunately, since it wasn't warm enough to dry him off, but he did not complain - too much:) I love watching the killer whales, they are such amazing animals. All of the animal species there are cool to watch.

My family are all asleep, this day has tuckered them out. It's nice that it's Sunday tomorrow, cause that means we don't have to feel like we 'have' to do stuff. It's nice to be on vacation, but I can tell that I am getting ready to go home soon. Next time we go somewhere maybe we can have some friends go with us, cause it is more fun when we travel with someone. Don't misunderstand, we are enjoying ourselves, but more people usually means more fun:) Hint, hint, Ingvild and Chris:)

Good night all, sweet dreams;-)

Oh yeah, so I forgot to mention earlier that we called and sang happy birthday to my mom and she was at my brother Michael and sister in law Helene's house. The rude part is that they were having my absolute FAVORITE Christmas dinner - PINNEKJOTT!!! Dang! It sucks not being made of money. We had KFC for dinner, which is one of my mom's favorite dinner's when she comes to visit:)

We are just chillin' and my fam wants to go in the hot tub, I'm just not feelin' it right now, but will probably give in, cause it's not everyday we can go hot tubbing after dinner.

Today is my awesome mom's 70th birthday! Gratulerer med dagen, mamma! I hope you are having a great day:) I so wish I could be there, we are way over due for a Norway visit, hopefully it's in the near future:)

The weather here in Florida is a lot warmer today, thankfully. We have been miniature golfing and swimming today. Right now we are going to go down to the activity room to get some ice cream. What we are doing after that is any ones guess:)

We have been in Florida for one day now, and I thought we were leaving the cold weather back home in Utah! It's just crazy how cold it is here. In fact, it has been record breaking cold here. Typical! At least it's supposed to warm up in the next few days, thank goodness:)

Today we just checked out the time share we are staying at. Derick and the kids went swimming(the cold didn't stop them) then we did some miniature golfing and played other games around the property. Tonight we went and saw 'Tangled'. It was a cute show. Tomorrow is the day our kids are waiting for, that's when we are going to Disney world and they are way excited!

Zane was really funny at the airport yesterday. We were walking on those moving walk ways and he called them lo-a-vator:) Where he comes up with this stuff I do not know.

We keep thinking how much Jake would have loved being here with us. Love you Jake!!!

3 years ago today Jake came into this world in a hurry! We barely made it to the hospital before he was born. It's so weird that he is not here with us anymore. There is such a void and it's never going to be filled. He would have had so much fun opening his birthday presents and blowing out the candles on his cake and then eating it:) Going to the cemetery to say happy birthday to your baby is just not the same, but at least I know where he is.

The one nice thing about his birthday is that he shared it with his cousin, Nik. Happy Birthday Nik! Have a great day. Love you!!!:)

Tomorrow the kids, Derick and myself are going to Florida! I have a lot to do before then, so I better not sit here in front of the computer when I have a whole list of to do's! Derick is also super busy today cause he has a lot of school work to do before he can even think of leaving! He has work on top of that, so good luck babe, I love you:) And starting tomorrow we can relax for a week, YES!!!

It is freakin' 2am and I am awake! Why? Because my beautiful boy is sick:( I woke up an hour ago because McCall called for me to bring him the throw up bucket. Luckily he made it to the bathroom that time, but I guess he had clogged the toilet last night, which I was NOT aware of, so I had the pleasure of taking care of that after taking care of him. The second time he did not make it to the bathroom or the bucket, don't ask me why, I'm still trying to figure that one out. Changing sheets and cleaning in the middle of the day sucks, but doing it in the middle of the night is by far worse. He is so sweet, the only thing he was worried about was wheter or not he had to go to school! Such a kid:) Now he is sleeping peacefully, but I can't. We are in the living room, cause I had to spray some Febreeze on his mattress because of the smell on his mattress, and I am afraid to leave him since he did not make it to the throw up bucket last time and I really don't feel like stripping the love sak covers right now.

Zane has not been feeling great either. He was complaining about a sore throat yesterday. Hopefully he'll feel better in the morning.

Since we have to go through this sickness I am glad it's now and not a week from now, since we are going to Florida on Tuesday. Just hope and pray that it is all gone before then.

The reason I haven't been on here for over 2 weeks is that our computer got a virus and when Derick was able to get rid of it we could not get on the Internet. I am so happy he was able to fix it, so thanks Derick:)

We had a really nice Thanksgiving. We went to see both of Derick's parents and enjoyed spending time with family. A couple of months ago I told my sister she should take the day after Thanksgiving off so that we could go shopping in the early morning hours, which she did, so we got up at 3am last Friday and we were done shopping by 7:30am! We had a good time even if it was freezing cold, but we got some good deals and we'll probably do it again next year:)

I am going to try and get some sleep now. Poor McCall has thrown up once more since being out here, but I hope he is done so that his little body can get some rest.

Today I am thankful for Derick being crazy enough to marry me 12 years ago! It was a beautiful autumn day like it is today, being cold and all. I remember being a little nervous but mostly excited. I could never in a million years have guessed how awesome it would be to be married to my best friend. We have had our ups and downs like everyone does, but sticking together and working things out is what makes it work. Losing Jake could have made us let go of each other, but we never once considered not relying on each other. I am so incredibly happy with my life, even when it seems like I should just throw in the towel. Life is great and I am so happy to still be head over heels in love with Derick!

Today I am thankful for the incredibly, incredibly nice person Derick was able to talk to about one of the bills from Jake's hospital stay. Even now, it makes me teary eyed thinking about it. When you least expect it, somebody comes along and does something that completely blows you away! Thank you, whoever you are that showed kindness to us today:-)

Yesterday I was thankful for Zane deciding that he actually did want to go to school. He had gotten it into his head that he didn't want to go, but he kept driving me a little crazy cause he was bored and very whiny. I kept asking him if he felt OK and he said he did. When he finally realized that there were no friends to play with, since they were all in school, he was fine with going. He was 30 minutes late but at least he went. He asked me this morning if today was a school day too. When I said yes, he said he was not going today. Luckily McCall was there when he said it and reminded him that his teacher had told them that they would want to come today because they were doing an art project.

I am going to write later what I am thankful for today.

For some reason it's hard to find something to be thankful for today. I don't mean that I'm un-thankful, just can't think of something specific. Maybe if I sit here and try to analyze my day I'll come up with something. I guess I am thankful for the chance I had to go and help out in Zane's classroom. Except for the little girl that picked her nose, looked at it and decided to eat it - that was totally GROSS! And yeah, if you do that too, just know that there is always somebody watching you do it even when you think no one is. Especially if your alone in your car. Sick!

Jake has been on my mind a lot today, and I have wanted to cry a few times, but haven't. I keep telling myself it's only been 4 months so it should still be hard, but then again, it's been 4 months, why can't it be any easier? Patience is not my thing. I am very thankful to be home again with Derick, McCall and Zane.

I am feeding the kids a late dinner. I made chicken enchiladas but will they eat that? Of course not! Picky, picky.

Today I am thankful to go home! Yes, it's been nice to be away for a few days, but now I'm ready to see my husband and kids again. I was actually ready to see them again yesterday, but I did have a good time here in California.

The highlight of yesterday was when we saw an H&M and we got to shop there!!! LOVE H&M and so wish they had one in Utah! Please, please, please come to Utah H&M!!!

Didn't write what I was thankful for yesterday, so I'll write it now.

I am thankful for being able to walk on the beach and feel the sand and water on my feet. I am also thankful for being able to wash that sand off when I am done at the beach:)

Today I am thankful for getting to talk on the phone with my kids and husband while I am gone.

I got a text from Derick yesterday that McCall had re-chipped his tooth! The dentist I took him to on Wednesday are closed on Friday's so I have to take him in on Monday. Sure hope it doesn't happen again.

We went to the pool this morning it felt really nice, just wish my kids and husband could be here and enjoy too. In a month we're going to Florida, so I guess we'll be able to enjoy together then:)

This day is almost over so I need to hurry and write what I am thankful for today. I am thankful for my sister and my nieces, they are funny:) I am also thankful for not having to drive for hours again until Sunday:) Good night...

Today I am thankful for dental insurance. McCall had only been gone for about 10-15 minutes this morning when I got a call from him saying that he needed to be picked up because he had chipped his tooth. He is OK thank goodness, but I am not. I had just finished applying hair color to my hair(it was way overdue) when he called . So, I had to hurry and throw some clothes on and put a towel on my head to go and get him. I was so embarrassed. At least I gave a few people a laugh on my behalf. They probably thought I was completely crazy;-)

It is only 10:20 in the am, but wanted to write down something I am thankful for.

First, my friend Misty, who is just so wonderful and caring. Thank you, thank you:) Second, for her son Taggart, that is here right now playing with Zane. They crack me up, they are so funny:) And the last one for now, my wonderful husband who can pull me out of the funk I find myself in when I don't even know how I got in it in the first place!

OK, for all you people who know me and know that I am not a dog person, there is a dog in my yard right now and all I can say he better not poop! Gosh, we need a fence!

It's taking me forever to put pictures up here, no wonder I never do it!

We had a nice weekend, just wish the rain would have waited until after the kids were done trick or treating. Since Halloween fell on a Sunday this year, we did our trick or treating on Saturday. We had a trunk or treat at the church, and it's crazy how much candy the kids got from there!The kids went around in our neighborhood later and got completely soaked, but they didn't care, they were just happy to be there:) We went online to look at different kinds of jack o lanterns to get ideas about what to do with our pumpkins, but after all was said and done Zane wanted his to be an X and McCall made his own pattern. I think he did pretty well for being his first time carving his own pumpkin.

I am counting down days again. Seems like I am doing that a lot lately. On Thursday I am going on an all girls trip with my sister and her daughters. We are going to Newport in California. It is so beautiful there and it's one of my favorite places to go.

I know I did this not too long ago, but since this is the month of Thanksgiving I thought I'd try and write down a little each day of what I'm thankful for. Today I am thankful for my friend Angie whom I just started walking with. It sure makes a difference to have someone to do things like this with, so thank you Angie! Right now I can't think of anything else I'm thankful for, how pathetic is that? No, that's not true, I am thankful for a lot of things, just not willing to share it with all of you right now;)

Halloween 2010

Derick decorated one of the pumpkins as
Mr.Potato head. Zane wanted his pumpkin to
be an X and McCall made his own.

Zane didn't really have time to
stand around all night posing
for me, there was candy to
collect!

Here are our very own Ninja Zombie and bat.
Forgot to tell Zane to spread his wings...


Ninja Zombie

This is the only picture of Zane by 'himself'.

Sorry Alyson, McKardy and Tag...

Me, my mom and Mette


Amanda, Mike, Mette and Nik.

Silly boys:)

McCall's friend Bram, came with us.

Cascade Springs.

Yours truly with my kiddos:)

Amanda posing for me:)


Nik posing for me:)

Amanda and Nik