2009 Holiday Highlights

Sub for Santa

For the past couple of years my family has done Sub for Santa for a family. We have had some amazing experiences. Each family will pick one child or one adult to buy Christmas for. We have so much fun shopping for, and wrapping up their gifts. I would have to say that the best part of it all is being able to deliver the gifts and to see the excitement of the children when Santa and his elves.

Delivering the gifts with Santa.

Santa and Grandma & Grandpa Jenkins

Santa and his adorable Helpers.

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Salt Lake City Temple Lights

Salt Lake Temple in Lights

Watching the nativity on Temple Square

This year Rob and I wanted to take Karlee to see the lights on Temple Square. So along with the Westons, we headed to Temple Square. We had so much fun. It was cold, probably 20º, so we just bundled up extra so that we stayed nice and warm, which we did. I think that we will make this one of our holiday traditions.

Rob with his sister Sally

Rob and his dad with the two little ones.

Rob and I at the reflection pond

These two were probably the warmest of us all.

Our Christmas 2009

Our Christmas 2009 started early this year with us heading up north to the Weston's on the 22nd of December. Why the 22nd? Well for two very important reasons: Rob's sister Holly's 30th Birthday Bash, and the BYU bowl game (we don't have cable and really wanted to watch the game). So we started our Christmas celebrating early this year. We had a really fun time. We got to relax and have lots of family time. Karlee had a good time with her two cousins Cody and Bo Daniel.

Christmas Eve Dinner - Oh so pretty!

We had Christmas Eve at Holly's home - her place was decorated to fun. Loved her table. We had a yummy dinner of ham, potatoes, and salad. We exchanged and opened our presents from each other. It really was a good way to get ready for Santa.

"T'was the Night before Christmas". She gave each of the kids their own colored copy of the story. Karlee loves a good book, and couldn't wait to have Grandma read her the story.

Christmas morning Santa found us at the grandma and grandpa's. We all had a wonderful Christmas. Karlee loved all her new presents. We got some wonderful gifts, and mostly had a great time with family.

Karlee's little people's castle. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Weston. The little castle plays music while the princess and the prince dance. It has lots of fun little accessories for the little people to enjoy their life in the castle.

Sally gave Karlee this little vanity. It seriously is the cutest thing I have seen. And Karlee has really taken a liking to it. The blowdryer works, and there are two different colors of lipstick and fingernail polish (all pretend ofcourse). - Way to go Sally!

Rob and I had a really nice Christmas. Rob sporting his new BYU jacket!

Holly gave Rob a wii game called Samba de Amgio. We all had a great time playing it. Heres Laurel and Rob, getting into it. Honestly you can't help but get your body going while playing this game.

Merry Christmas from the Weston's

So we decided as of late to do a christmas card this year. I am not sure what I was thinking, as most of you will be getting a card late! So lets just say that it will be our New Year's card. Anyways... Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Our Little Karlee - Milestones

Karlee 22 months

Our Karlee is 22 months old this month. I know I know its not a major milestone. But its been awhile since I have done any "month milestones" and well that's just fun. Plus I am sure you are all dying to see many more pictures of our little Karlee. She really is growing up. She will be 2 years old in just a couple months. Wow!!!!

Some of the wonderful things that Karlee has been up to are:
Communicating - She is such a big talker. She has already figured out how to form sentences, such as: "I want more..., Pleaseeeeee." She really is catching onto the whole English language and loves to repeat what she hears. So far so good.

Socializing - She really is a socialite. She loves to go and play with all the kids in our neighborhood. She loves to be outside. Good thing we have descent weather most of the year.

Praying - This is really pretty cute. She will fold her arms and start and start by saying: 'Heavenly Father', then she gets quiet, and waits for a little bit and then says 'Amen' (even when the prayer is not over).

Coloring - now if we can just get her to color on paper, and not the walls, our couches, our kitchen tile, and I am sure other places that I have yet to discover.

Bath Time - continues to be a highlight of her day. She says it so cute. 'I want to take a bathhhh or showerrrr' - whatever she is feels like that day.

Getting her shoes & socks on - She absolutely loves to put her shoes and socks on because that means she is going to either go outside and play with the other neighbor kids or she is going to run errands with mom or dad.

Car Rides - Really I am surprised how lucky we are that Karlee enjoys car rides. She has been in the car a lot more than I had hoped for, but she takes it all in stride. She will take naps or just sit quietly looking outside the windows...

Brushing her teeth - this girl loves, and when I say loves, she LOVES to brush her teeth. She can be seen with a toothbrush in her hands/mouth much of the day. I guess that is a good thing.

One day while playing outside with the kids.

Karlee loves to balance her body on things lately.

Brushing those pearly whites!

Christmas Lights and Santa Clause x 2

This past week we have been able to see Santa at our ward Christmas party and at our neighborhood clubhouse. We had a feeling this year would be Karlee's year to want nothing to do with Santa. And well she did not disappoint. While we stood in line (thank goodness they were both super short) Karlee did really well, and would point and wave to Santa. The closer we got to Santa the more Karlee wasn't sure about this guy. As expected she completely lost it - full out tears. I just love the picture with Rob holding her - probably cause Rob is laughing and Karlee is so devastated. Our neighborhood has a Santa come to our clubhouse every year, and we look forward to him. In my opinion he is probably the best Santa that I have seen. This Santa has every detail mastered, from the beard down to the white eye lashes. So magical! Once again Karlee didn't disappoint us, she wanted nothing to do with Santa as the picture shows - maybe next year. We can only hope. So scratch this option for our Christmas card.

Rob, Karlee & Santa at our Ward Christmas party.

Karlee and Santa at our clubhouse.

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Wednesday night Rob's work schedule changed so we made a trip to the St. George temple to walk and look at their Christmas light displays. Oh they were beautiful. This was our first time walking the St. George temple grounds at Christmas time. It was alot of fun. Karlee even had an enjoyable time looking at all the beautiful lights. I think her highlight was watching the lights turn on and off during the reading of the nativity. She loved the shepherds sheep, and the 'moo' cow.

The Nativity on the temple grounds.


Temples are so glorious at night.

Enjoying the Christmas Lights.

Loving the lights!

Let the Christmas Joy begin!

Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News

I really haven't had much to blog about lately, and I feel bad since this is pretty much my public journal. I will try to do better to document (at least for myself).

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As for today: I have been looking forward to tonight all December. Tonight (the first Sunday of December) was the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. For me it is just what I need to get into the Christmas mood. Our stake did not broadcast it this year due to a lack of participation last year. I was pleased to be able to watch it in the comforts of our home. We all snuggled up together on our bed, and watched it on our computer (gotta love today's technology). It was really nice. All the messages were so beautifully given, and the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra were amazing. The choir began the devotional with one of my most favorite Christmas songs -- the Messiah by Handel - it was so powerful. I only could imagine what it must have been like to be in the Conference center when this was being performed. WOW. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, shared the importance this Christmas season to find Christ in Christmas. President Henry B. Eyring, spoke of the importance of Finding Christ in our daily lives throughout this Christmas Holiday and the rest of our lives. He shared the Christmas story written in the Bible. President Thomas S. Monson, shared a beautiful story - I just love his stories. Once it is available I will post it at the end of this post. So that I may have it recorded. President Monson also encouraged us all to avoid the 'Over Doing' this holiday season, and to spend our time with family and in the service to others. He also said that it wont be the gifts that we receive this season that we will remember, it will be the memories that we create with our family and friends that we will remember.

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I am so excited to be able to celebrate this Christmas holiday with my family. I am truly grateful for the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. I don't predict many presents around our tree this year but I know that what was said tonight in the Christmas Devotional is what truly matters and is what we will all remember in many years to come.

Our Thanksgiving 2009

Our Thankful Tree.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Our Thanksgiving was held in Page, AZ at my parents home. We had everyone there except my sister Kaye and her family, who live in Alaska. We were blessed to have my grandparents come down from Salt Lake City. It really was a fun holiday. My mom once again made lots and lots of yummy food. Our Thanksgiving dinner was amazing. We had yummy turkey, lots and lots of salads, yummy homemade rolls, and of course too many desserts to count. We did a really fun thing this year: we made a Thankful tree. Everyone was able to write on a leaf what they were thankful for. Before we knew it our tree was full of all the many things we are thankful for.

My mom and dad

My grandma Jenkins and I (I love this lady)

Karlee had lots of cousins to play with and lots of things to do. Grandma had lots of games and things for all the kids to play with. I think that outside was their most favorite place to be. Rob had to work over the Thanksgiving holiday but came over on Saturday morning. Saturday, Papa took all the grandkids GeoCashing in the desert. All the kids look forward to going geocashing with papa. Karlee went on her first geocash, but got a little bored, so she just started playing with the sand.

Going GeoCashing with Papa

Karlee's idea of geocashing - Playing in the dirt

Saturday afternoon all the guys watched the BYU and Utah Football game. Rob came back really happy as BYU beat Utah 26-23. My brother Tom not so much as he is probably one of the biggest Utah fans I know. Horray Go BYU!!!

I am thankful for:

I am Thankful for: (in no specific order)

• Rob -most patient person I know
• Karlee - can't remember my life without her
• The Gospel of Jesus Christ
• Family - I love having such a close family
• Opportunities to serve
• My Parents - so much gratitude
• Savior
• My In-laws - again I love having a close family
• Roof over my family's heads
• Friends
• Talents - probably need to use them more
• Hobbies
• Church callings - Sunbeams
• Trials - I have learned so much
• Freedom
• Beautiful weather
• Temples
• Food in our pantry and on our table
• Clothes - however outdated, and not so comfortable.
• Healthy body - need to get into shape, again. ugh!
• Adoption

November - National Adoption Month

Karlee (February 2008)

I think that it is appropriate that in this month of November as a nation we set aside Thanksgiving as a day to celebrate things that we are most grateful for. November is also National Adoption Month, so we have another reason to celebrate our precious Karlee. We are so thankful for the miracle of adoption. Adoption is such an act of selfless love. Our adoption experience has been guided by the hand our our Heavenly Father. He truly knows us and answers prayers. Our lives are filled with so much joy to have the blessing to raise Karlee. We thank our Heavenly Father daily for the blessings in our lives, for the guidance in all our decisions. We are and will be truly and forever grateful to Karlee's birthmother and birthfather, who selflessly gave us the greatest gift we have in our lives. Not a day goes by that we see both a little bit of them in her, be it her sleepy morning eyes from her birthmom (I absolutely LOVE them), and her blonde hair that she got from her birthfather (And yes she is finally getting hair). Again our Heavenly Father knows us, and prepares us for moments in our lives.

Honor our Veterans

Today is Veterans Day. When I walked out to get the paper today, I looked up the street and a lump filled my throat as I saw these young boys placing American flags up and down the street. I just love to see the American flag out and waving. I guess the older I get the more emotional it is for me to see service men and women. Today Rob, Karlee and I were on our way to do an errand and ran into closed roads for our little towns Veterans Day Parade. So Rob pulled over and parked the car, we were able to enjoy most of the parade. Again I got emotional and teary eyed. To see all these veterans who have lived such amazing lives, and have sacrificed so much of themselves to serve their country. I am grateful for their sacrifices and their dedication to our country and to our freedoms.

There have been many in our family who have served our country, and for this I am grateful.

Disclaimer: I have pictures that I will be putting in at a later date, as the pictures need to be scanned.

This is a picture of my Grandpa Worthen. My grandpa served in World War II with his two brothers. My grandpa Clive (left), his brother Ray (center), and his brother Hal (right). This picture taken in Texas when they were all on leave. They served in the Army.

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Grandpa Jenkins served in the Marines during the Korean War. He served on a ship around Japan, Korea, and China.

My brother-in-law Matt served in the army just out of high school. He was based over in Korea for a year. I am taking this from my sisters

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Rob's uncle Don Claude Williamson served in the Marine Corp. in the Vietnam war. He lost his life in service in that very war. While I was in Washington D.C. a couple years ago with my parents. We went to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial - The Wall, and found his name and etched it onto paper. This was quite a sacred experience, it was as though the world stood still, not a dry eye near by. I did a little research on Rob's uncle, it said that his tour began on April 2, 1968 and he died on May 25, 1968 in Quang Tri, South Vietnam. He was only 20 years old.

Thanks to all our veterans! God Bless America!

What a Mess-maker!

Okay so for all of you who know me. . . and know me well. I am not much of a mess maker, and thus I expect nothing less from Karlee. (right! ha ha) However I have been trying to take a back seat when it comes to mess making. I just don't know how some of you parents can do it. Ugh!!! I guess I just don't have the patience. Anyways last Saturday when my parents were here Karlee was up to the table eating her yogurt, and decided to put some on the table. She then started to finger paint on the table. My mom thought - "Awe look so cute, she is finger painting". My first thought - "Oh what a mess she is making". I know, I know I am insane to think that a little kid would want to stay clean and out of any type of mess.

So the other night, as we were eating dinner, I gave Karlee some cottage cheese and a spoon. She is getting really good eating with utensils, she will only eat if she either has a spoon or fork in hand. This girl has pretty good fine motor skills. Karlee was still eating while I decided it was time to clean the kitchen. When I turned around I saw this (grabbed my camera of course):

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Look at this face! I mean seriously! - What a cutie!

Karlee had decided to forgo the spoon, and eat with her hands. Then she decided to rub her dinner into her hair. When I tried to stop her, she threw her bowl (still with contents in) onto the ground in protest, I am sure!. Needless to say we ended the night with fun in the bath. Good thing this girl loves her bathtime.

Bathtime washing away the mess!

I just don't know how to turn my head, when it comes to mess making. I am trying to get a grip on it, but trust me this is pretty darn difficult for me. Wish me luck!

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I keep telling myself. . . You are only a kid once, so you might as well live it up!

Happy Halloween

We had yet another fun Halloween Night. With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year we had a day filled with lots of spooky fun. Karlee and I got early morning visits from Papa and Grandma Worthen (who had come over to attend the temple). We spent the day getting ready for all our little trick or treaters. Early in the evening we started to clean out and carve our pumpkins. Rob did a great job with all our pumpkins this year.

Cleaning out the pumpkins - Karlee thinking we are crazy!

We got 3 pumpkins this year so we have lots of yummy pumpkins seeds to enjoy this week. Gee, I thought everyone kept their pumpkin seeds and ate them, but Rob said that he never did growing up. He loves them. Karlee did not participate in cleaning out, or carving the pumpkins this year as she thought we were crazy people trying to get her to put her hands inside the pumpkins. Here are the pumpkins that Rob carved: Aren't they amazing. He is so talented.

Rob's pumpkin carvings

We had our neighbors over for Navajo Tacos before we set out to trick or treat. No pictures because they were so yummy, and gone before we thought about taking one. Our neighborhood started trick or treating just as dinner was getting done. Karlee loved putting on and wearing her costume this year. She was a duck, complete with her little duck waddle as she walked up and down the streets.

Karlee the Cutest Duck ever!

Karlee and Mom pose out front.

Rob handed out candy this year, and dressed up last minute with our neighbor, they were beach bums. Not bad for last minute. Funny thing was when rob came out with his nose all painted up white. The secret paint: was diaper rash cream. Who would have thought about that. ha ha

Beach Bums: Nate (neighbor) and Rob

My parents came by just as we had started to go trick or treating so they came with Karlee and I. I just love this picture. Karlee sure does love her grandma and papa. This was really a nice treat to have them come and trick or treat with us.

Karlee with grandma & papa Worthen

At the end of the night Karlee was worn out, but high up on sugar. Don't really know how much sugar she ate tonight, but I could probably guarantee more than she gets in a whole week. It was a little more challenging to put her down for bedtime. This years Halloween was super fun, and a great way to start off the next couple holidays.

Karlee with her treat bag full of candy. Yummy Yummy!

Getting ready to Trick or Treat!

Oh how I love all the fun that comes with Halloween. Decorating the house, thinking of costumes, and the cool crisp air outside. Well maybe I am not super excited about the cool crisp air, but not like I have much of a choice in the matter. With Halloween just around the corner, I am excited to turn on the creative juices. . .

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This year Rob is really excited to take Karlee around to go trick or treating (anyone suprised?), so I thought I would make her a trick or treat bag. My neighbor and I headed to the fabric store (wal-mart - it was the closest) to check out the fabric options. We had so much fun picking out the material for the bags. I say bags, because I couldn't just make Karlee a bag, I wanted to make all my nieces and nephews their own trick or treat bag. They were so much fun, and so super easy. Once all the bags were sewn, I thought I would touch up the bags for my neices, I just added a simple fabric flower. My neighbor put a black boa on the bags she made for her girls, she had just a bit left, so I added it to Karlee's bag. Kinda fun don't ya think. I hope that everyone has a super fun time trick or treating.

Skeleton & Cross bones, Smiling Spiders, and Moon & Stars.

Candy Corn, Boo!, and Spider Webs

Trick or Treat!!!