Gingerbread House Fun!

Ever since I had kids, I have wanted to make a gingerbread house as a family. But I have been to cheap to spend the money on a kit so never have done it. Well last year I got smart and bought a clearance kit after Christmas and figured since we wouldn't really be eating it, we could save it for a year and do it this Christmas. So, we broke out the kit and here it is!!

It really was funny seeing how each of our personalities came through during this project. I was just trying to keep the peace, Cambrie was meticulously pouring over the directions ensuring we did each and every step in the exact order, with the correct type of candy and the right color, Coop did one thing and got bored and wanted to move on to something else, Conlie was in the middle of it all, wanting to help but mostly just enjoying sneaking a candy or two. It was a lot of fun and I'm glad we did it...now I can check that one off they list of "things to do".

Ta Da...

Forever Friends Get-Together

We have a group of friends that have been close with for a really long time, some since birth, others since Junior High and a few others a bit later. We have the greatest time when we are together it is full of lots of laughs and fun. Unfortunately our time together happens less and less over time as we all are so busy with life and kids. However, we always make an effort to get together a couple times a year and here we are...

(Left to Right) Jeff and Stacey MacAurthur, Ryan and Keri Richter, Chon and Carrie Choi, Bryce and Anne Kendrick, Blaine and Cami Hoopes.

We especially miss the Hoopes family since they have moved to Pennsylvania!! So glad you came back and gave us a good reason to get together!! Thanks to Stacey for putting it together and being brave enough to host it at your house. I am so grateful for the friendship that I share with all of you..you are wonderful people and make me want to be better!

All those years ago when we because friends before we were married that the 5 couples would produce this......19 crazy kids

Here's a little more tame photo of the kiddos.

The men

And the ladies..

Locks of Love!!

About a year ago, Cambrie and her cousin, Katelyn decided together that they wanted to grow their hair out and then cut it and donate it to Locks of Love. They both have long, gorgeous hair and always have but they knew someone else could use it more than them. They never waivered in their decision. All year long we talked about it and they both were very committed to the cause.

Before...

Measuring the 12 inches that were to be cut.

The cut!!

Holding their ponies that were cut. This picture appeared in the Standard Examiner in an article about hair donation. It was so fun for the girls to be recognized.

It was so cute to watch Cam play with the hair nervously as Katelyn got hers cut.

After...

They are just as gorgeous as ever!! Great job girls...we're so proud of you!!

We finally have a seamstress in the family!!

Cambrie took sewing lessons along with her friend Hadlie over the summer. Our neighbor Connie so patiently taught them. They had a lot of fun and made some great things. They did a hot pad, a pillowcase and an apron. Cambrie has really taken to it and has started making and selling pillowcases to earn money for a dance trip next year. She's considering also selling aprons if she can find a pattern that is a little easier :) The one she made was quite detailed but soo cute!! Thank heavens she has a talent for domestic skills since her mother does not!!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Cannon!

Happy Birthday Cannon! We Love You so much and wish you THE BEST year! You are such a funny little guy. You are so loving and cuddly and sweet! We love how you are so obsessed with the "Cars" movies and anything related to that. You are always walking around saying "Kachow" like Lightnight McQueen. You also say the funnies things all the time. You keep us laughing and bring a joyful spirit to our home! We are totally enjoying you and love you forever!! Mom and Dad

Happy Birthday to Hollie and Cannon. We had a little party to celebrate!

In all your glory on your new Cars bedding.

Make a wish!!

Celebrating with Kiptyn. You boys are just too cute!

Reflections Winner

Cambrie entered the reflections contest again this year. The theme was "Diversity means...". Cambrie did a drawing of a very unlikely pair called "Owen and Mzee". It's a true story about a hippo and a turtle that became the best of friends. She did a great job and won 2nd Place. Great job Cam!!

Of course, Conlie had to get in on the action...