Zoo Lights

Last night Jake and I went with our friends from church to the Denver Zoo to see the Christmas lights. They put lights up in the trees and some that resemble animals in the zoo. It was a fun time even though most of the animals were in their homes for the evening. We did get to see the elephants, rhinoceros, giraffes, seals, and sea lions.

A quiet Christmas morning in the Colorado Snow

Well not quite, it was quiet but there was no snow this year. Christmas morning started late, we had breakfast more like lunch of french toast and then we opened our gifts. Annmarie and Steve were over for the day. After gifts, the boys went to see Valkyrie while the girls stayed home at watched Mamma Mia. We had Christmas dinner which consisted of ham, funeral potatoes, mom's famous stuffing, rolls, and corn. With many treats and chocolate to hold us over. Once again a round of Mexican Train dominos was started and emotions were very subdued mostly because we did not keep score this time.
It was a great day to remember our Savior and be with some of the family, the rest were very much missed. Especially the kids who always seem to give more excitement to the holiday than us adults. I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas day with family and friends.

Christmas Eve

For Christmas Eve this year we went over to Annmarie and Steve's for an easy dinner and games. We had a very good time even if tempers were heated during the games Sequence, Mexican Train dominos, and even Uno. Who would guess that would cause so much distress. Luckily no game board or dominos were thrown. Thanks Annmarie and Steve for a very enjoyable and quiet evening.

Jake and Steve were so excited for Santa that they fell asleep like this.

Happy Birthday Mom

Today we celebrate our mom! She is such a wonderful woman and did an amazing job raising six children. She would probably kill me if I mentioned her age so I will just list 10 things I love about my mom.

1. She takes care of us all even those far away and is concerned for us.


2. She stays up to wait until I or Jake get home from a late night, even though she said she just woke up.


3. She loves her 8 grandchildren and loves when they call her on the phone it truly lights her up.


4. She has a testimony of the gospel and Jesus Christ, its a quiet one but I know its there.


5. She loves my dad, its a special thing to see when they express their love for each other.


6. I love that she and I have a great relationship and that she will shop, do lunch, and scrapbook with me.


7. I love that she will scrape and warm my car on cold, snowy days when I have to go to work.


8. I love that she is always there to listen to our problems and gives advice that is practical.


9. I love that she loves her parents, this was a difficult year with losing her mom but I still see the love and concern she has for her dad.


10. I love that she loves her siblings and still continues to have a great relationships with them.

Mom you are a great example to me and I appreciate all the many wonderful things you do for our family. So tonight to celebrate Annmarie and I are taking her to see Neil Diamond, it just happened that he was in town on her birthday.

Madison's Baptism

This past weekend we were able to be in Utah for Madison's baptism. She has become such a beautiful girl who has a lot of spunk and an attitude to match. I am so proud of her decision and look forward to seeing her continue to grow her testimony in the gospel. Uncle Steve was asked to give a talk about baptism and did awesome. Gordon baptized her and Grandpa Atkinson did the confirmation. Afterwards, Trisha put together an awesome selection of dessert.
It was also fun to be with the family again. Many family dinners, laughs, children running around, seeing cousins and other extended family, and one night the girls went and saw Twilight. I just love being with the family and I know I say this all the time but it truly is the highlight of my life.

Grandma and Grandpa Atkinson with Madison

Madison and me

Micah and me

Jake and Josh with their serious pose

Morgan who only liked the chocolate

Jen and Braylen

Madison and Aaron

Braylen and Steve

Aaron

I told you this would be on the blog

Grandpa Rodeback with mom and dad

Alex holding Rufus

Braylen at the Purple Turtle

Kennedy with her ice cream mustache

Guess who's 4

Even though most times Morgan and I have a love slash hate relationship, I love this little girl! We can be onery with each other one minute and the next she is loving on me. She is such a sweet loving girl. I am amazed and how much she has learned in her short life. She has a sweet spirit and I thank Heavenly Father everyday that she is a part of our family. I truly miss not being around all the kids and treasure the times I spend with them. Morgan I am so happy to be your aunt and hope you know how much I love you.

Here are 4 reasons I love her but the list could go on.

1. I love all of her hugs and kisses.
2. I love that she will stand up for herself even though sometimes it gets her in trouble.
3. I love her imagination.
4. I love that she is an example to Braylen and takes care of him.

Happy Birthday Morgan and I hope you have a great year!

A Quiet Thanksgiving Weekend

So with only Dad, Mom, Jake and I in Colorado for Thanksgiving it was a very quiet time. But mom did not disappoint, she made the most delicious dinner with plenty of leftovers. Thanks mom! After dinner Dad, my friend Margie and I went and saw Twilight. I had only told dad the basic plot of the book. Of course Margie and I loved it and so much better the second time. As for dad he did not hate it but I do not think he loved it either. Thanks dad for being a sport and watching a chic flick with us chics. Friday morning 4 am came way to early but its a great tradition we have. We started at Kohl's, on to WalMart, Circuit City, Best Buy, Sam's for breakfast, Target, Archiver's and finished at Costco where I bought myself a KitchenAid. I have wanted one for awhile and finally made the purchase and used it today for cookies and it was fabulous. Today we put the Christmas tree up. What a wonderful weekend we had.

Here is my grateful list:

1. My mom, she is a wonderful lady and I love the time we spend together shopping, scrapbooking and making cards, which she does not give herself enough credit for.
2. My dad, who is a good listener and gives the best advice. He has always taken care of our family and has given of his time freely.
3. My brothers Alan, Aaron, Gordon, and Jake. I will not lie we were not the Brady Bunch but now that we are older their friendship and brotherly love means so much more to me.
4. My one and only sister Annmarie, she is truly my best friend (sorry Margie and Tiffany). She has always been someone I look up to and enjoying being with.
5. My only brother in law Steve. He fits so well with our family and loves my sister so much. I have great respect for him because he always supported Annmarie in the gospel and found out for himself the truth and joined the church.
6. My sister in laws Meredith, Jen and Trisha who I count as sisters too. They have brought energy to this family and many good times.
7. My neices and nephews Madison, Landon, Sofia, Mirabel, Morgan, McKinley, Braylen and Kennedy. They are all joys to our family and I love the time I get to be with them.
8. My main girls Margie and Tiffany. They are such great friends and are each unique in their own way. I know I can tell them anything and they will support and encourage me in every way. My life has been changed because they are in it.
9. Books, only recently have I started this up.
10. My freedom and living in America and for all its beauty.
11. The Book of Mormon. I teach Gospel Doctrine in the singles ward and still do not think of myself as an intellect in the gospel but Heavenly Father knew I needed this in my life. I have gained a greater testimony of this book and feel the love Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ have for all of us.

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving and took the time to remember what you are grateful for in your life.

The Big 8

Madison turned the big 8 today. I remember this day fondly. Mom, Annmarie, and I drove out to Utah on this very day to see the first grandchild of the family. Dad joined us the next day. We went straight to the hospital and still waited a couple hours for her. She was such a beautiful sweet baby and I loved her from the beginning. So in honor of Madison here are 8 wonderful things I love about this awesome girl.

1. I love that she knows me and will call me on the phone to chat.

2. I lover her sense of humor and her laugh.

3. I love her pep and sassiness even though it gets her into trouble.

4. I love that she loves her siblings and her example to them. Even with their disagreements.

5. I love that she has her own opinions and thoughts and she is willing to share them.

6. I love that she has a sincere heart and is concerned for others.

7. I love that she will still give me hugs and does not thing I am a lame aunt.

8. I love that she enjoys school and strives to be a good student.

Madison I am so grateful that I have been a part of your first 8 years and look forward to many more with you. I am so proud of you and the choices you make. I thank Heavenly Father everyday that He sent you to our family. You are a joy to us all and we would be lost without your smile and love.

Halloween

This year we spend Halloween with the kids in Utah, what a great time to be with the family. The kids are growing up so much and we miss a lot of their experiences. So with my new work schedule I am able to make long weekend trips easier.
On Friday morning we went to Madison's school to see in her in the parade. She was dressed up as Hannah Montana, I had a hard time finding her because she looked so cute and the best Hannah Montana I saw but I am kind of prejudice.

We then were able to have school lunch with her along with Trisha, Landon, McKinley, and Kennedy. I remember school lunch as a kid and pizza day was always the best.

We were able to see Madison and Landon's classrooms and where they sat. Then we saw Landon in his parade, he was dressed as a Star Wars Storm trooper.

Everyone looked so awesome in their costumes. McKinley was Snow White, Kennedy was a ladybug, Morgan was Cinderella, and Braylen was Buzz Lightyear. Even some of the adults dressed up. Trisha was a witch, Jen was a devil, Aaron was the Joker which scared Braylen anytime he had the mask on, and I was a witch too. Later that night we all met at Gordon and Trisha's for dinner, trick or treating, and part of Poltergeist (we all were tired and falling asleep).

What a great weekend which was full of lots of family dinners, visiting with Grandpa Rodeback, shopping and just spending time together. Thanks to the family for including us in their plans.