Biggest Loser Competition!

Last year my cousin Aubrey put together a biggest loser competition. I had such a fun time with that one that I have decided to start one. The competition begins January 12th (first weigh-in) and will go until April 20th (last weigh-in).

The Rules: Money will be put into the pot when you start and an additional $2 will be added each time you don't hit your goal weight at weigh-in. Weigh-in will take place every other Monday. You will have to lose 2% of your body weight, so it shouldn't be too hard. By the end of the comp., first place taked 80% of the pot and second place gets the remaining 20%. Any of you who want to shed those extra pounds email me at liz@approachingzion.com and we can do it together! It will be fun!

Our Christmas!

We've started a few traditions with our little family. One is on Christmas Eve we build a fire, eat snacks, and read the Christmas story from the scriptures. Here is David getting the fire ready.

Here are the kids and Granny all lined up ready to go into the living room to see what Santa brought.

Carmen got a skateboard.

Morgan wearing her new jammies from Granny and holding her new baby.

Graham with the long awaited Pancake Puffs!

Christmas night Sarah and John invited us up for dinner and visiting. Here is Graham and Enoch playing with some new toys....Legos have come a long way since I was a kid.

Me and Sarah.

David, John, Sarah, and I had a competition with their new Wii. Man, that is fun!

John doing a victory pose after beating David in tennis.

The day after Christmas we headed up to Idaho to be with family. The roads were horrible, but the trip was well worth it. Here is Sadie, Me, Sara, Becky and the kids Suzie and Owen.

The kids. Wow!! The definition of "multiply and replenish".

Dan and Sadie with their little Thomas.

Me and a few of my siblings. Love them!

Becky, Wes, and Lilly.

The kids LOVE their Grandpa.

Morgan always wanted to be a part of what Grandma was doing.

The kids enjoying ice cream sundaes.

Playing "drop the penny into the jar" game Grandma made up for bored little girlies.

Getting a drink

The boys played ball.

Trying out the new paper making machine.

Sadie reading to Morgan and Susanna. They love their aunt. She is so good with them.We played cards.I hope everyone else had a Christmas as wonderful as ours!

Christmas Gift From Graham

Graham gave me this Christmas card on Sunday. He has really helped by putting Morgan to bed for me at nap time. When he gave me the note, his little infomercial self said, "And Mom, I'll triple the offer and do it until my Christmas break is over!" And he also mentioned that he colored his hair a little long, so you can't really see his eyes.

Since he made the card he has been more helpful in everything that he does. He offers to refill our glasses at dinner and clear our places too. Maybe he is ready for more responsibility. Thank you Graham for being so willing to help all the time! Love you Buddy!

Meet Snowy!

P'woofect Christmas Gift

An alternative way for keeping our carpet dry. I know what Harvey is going to get for Christmas this year!

I took him out running yesterday in the snow. He loved it, as always, but got tons of ice chunks in between his toes. Not to mention that I didn't want him to step foot into my house until he was dry. So there you have it....a solution to cold, wet, dog paws.

All Smiles

My cute little niece Rachel has just noticed another baby around who really likes to smile at her. She's such a sweetie!

The Younger The More Magical

I remember as a kid every year having my Christmas program. This was the time of the year when everything felt so magical and exciting.
Graham had his program today and the kids were so full of excitement it was fun to watch. I didn't get any pictures of him singing, but I did get video. I have to figure out how to get it onto the computer from my camcorder. The first graders sang Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. It was fun to watch the kids sing with so much enthusiasm and joy. It really did get me into the Christmas spirit a little bit more.

Morgan posing. I am not sure what stance that is. And don't ask me who that kid is either. He must have come walking up right as I was taking the picture. He's cute though.

Carmen and Morgan on the steps where all the "big kids" sang. After the program, they couldn't wait to step foot onto the stage.
Since I didn't take any pictures of Graham singing, I made the kids all pose up against the wall for a photo.

A Visit With Rena

David has two really fun sisters. Emily, who lives close by, and Rebekah, who lives in Denver. We don't get to see her very often, but it is always fun when we get to. She just came up for a few days to visit and we had a good time with her. We always like to take family pictures when she comes because with her here, David's mom has all of her kids together. Granny with all her grandkids.

Emily, David, Mom, and Rena. Rena with all her nieces and nephews.
Emily, David, and Rena.

Little People

We draw names for Christmas on my side of the family. I have my sister Becky and her family. Sarah showed me this pattern that she found on Etsy. I had to make Becky's kids one. I decided to go the extra mile and make little clothes for them. For her little girl, I made a dress and added a flower on her head. For one of her boys, I made a superhero and a little school boy for the other. Didn't they turn out cute?!! I love them. My kids have had a hard time keeping their hands off of them, but little do they know, they will each have a little person by their stocking Christmas morning. :) I just can't resist.

Fun Christmas Email

I got this email from my mom. I thought it was so funny. So here is a little humor for the stressful holiday season.


The wife has been on my case to get the Christmas lights up for a couple of weeks now. They are up now, and for some reason she will not talk to me.

The Dark Knight

David and I went to see the new Batman movie last night, The Dark Knight. And that is exactly what it was, dark. That's all I have to say about it.

Still In My Thoughts

I can't get over how great the Colplay concert was that I got to go to last month. Loved it!! Here is a movie for entertainment reasons! Enjoy :)

Strange Behavior

Oh, Mr. Reflection. You are taking up my whole night. Whenever I move, you move and I can't figure it out. My family doesn't understand why I feel the need to growl. It is my job to protect them and I would love it if you would leave us alone for tonight. Thank you. I am sure I will see you here again soon.

Mommy Wow! I'm a Big Kid Now!

She has started to show interest, so here we go! Wish us luck. I am sure we are going to need it!!

SNOW!!