Alot of Burning Going On

Late Saturday afternoon we took the kids out to an area close to our home to have a campfire and roast marshmallows. They had so much fun, especially the twins, but oh my goodness did they get dirty.





Aunt Amy is so talented! She sent Abby this dress she made. Abby loved it! I've really got to learn to sew.

I have been in the process of making this book wreath for some time. I started about two weeks ago and got half way through the process when the pages started pulling out with each new row I packed in (the folded pages are just pinned into a foam wreath). I decided to start all over, using hot glue (OUCH!) and pins this time around. It worked like a charm! For those of you who may think it's a crime to tear apart a book I have to admit it was a bit difficult at first. I went to a thrift store and found an old book that was pretty beat up and one that I didn't think anybody would be dying to get their hands on. I actually had to use 1 1/2 books because the first I bought didn't have enough pages (my wreath is pretty big). Both books were printed in the 1930's so they had nice thick pages and a cream tint. I love how this turned out! I am considering finding a nice thick ribbon to hang it from. We'll see.

Someone had mentioned posting this coat rack I made last winter. It hangs in our mud room. I love creating things that serve a purpose! It's fun and practical.

The Simple Joys in Life

Ok, so I am definitely not the best blogger in the world. I think I would blog more if I would remember to pull out my camera once in a while. It's lame I know.

Abby started first grade today.:) I am so proud of how independent she is. (Something I certainly was not as a child.) When we walked into her class this morning there were several kids crying and very distraught over their parents leaving. Definitely a situation that could cause the other children in the class to feel somewhat apprehensive. Abby on the other hand informed me that she wasn't even nervous. I gave her a hug and kiss goodbye and that was that. I admire her so much.

Life here in Flagstaff is good! It's strange to think that this is where we'll most likely be settling down for good. Wade loves working for Gore! It's nice to finally be at this point in our lives. I'm so glad we get to live somewhere so beautiful. Just so you all know there's always an open invitation for anyone who would like a free place to stay and an opportunity to go see the Grand Canyon or Meteor Crater while you're at it. We love having visitors!

Ok, so I just have to mention how absolutely thrilled I am to be getting Suzanne Collins's newest book "Mockingjay" this week! The third book in the Hunger Games series for those of you who don't know. Wade informed me that it was shipped today!:) Now it's just a matter of anxiously waiting. Please Suzanne let it end the way I want it to. What would life be like without a really good book to lose yourself in once in awhile. For those of you who will also be spending this week in the world of Panem, happy reading!:) Go Peeta! It's true I may seem a little over the top, but hey, if your day began and ended with the changing of two diapers and one pull-up to boot you might feel the same way.

Be Gone Illness

Ok, so I am officially ready for summer to get here. I feel like we've been dealing with winter related illnesses since the month of October, the height of it being at the end of February when both Justin and Matthew spent a week in the hospital with RSV. The past two nights Justin has awoken from his sleep hardly able to breathe. Come to find out after going to the doctor this morning he has croup. And even though I didn't take Matthew and Liam to the doctor they have similar symptoms, just not as severe. Bring on the warmth! (I never thought I'd hear myself say that.) Hopefully next winter we'll have a better run of luck. :) I have to say I'm so grateful to have a wonderful husband who helps so much! Wade's amazing! I am one lucky woman.

So here's a "My Kids Say the Darndest Things" quote for you. One evening last week as we were getting ready to have family scripture study I asked the kids where Dad went and Liam in all seriousness turns to me and says "He died". Where that came from I have no idea. :)

Taking Over

Ok, so I am officially taking over our blog. Wade has his own blog and I know it's time I share my view on things. I'm actually liking this blogging thing. It's kind of like an online version of scrapbooking. I thought it would be fun to have an ongoing quote of the day or maybe quote of the week, depending on how busy life is, called "My Kids Say the Darndest Things". Here's one for today. I walked out this morning in my pink plush robe and Abby so lovingly says to me, "Mom, why does that robe make your hips look so big?" (spreading her arms out wide as she says it). :) Oh these kids! Ya just gotta love 'em!

I've been so good about exercising this week! Justin has too in his own way.:) He loves to exercise with me. This morning he was doing the stretches and when it came time for the sit-ups he laid flat on his back and kept lifting his head up over and over. Try to imagine this little 17 month old exercising. It's so cute! I love my kids.

Goodbye Facebook!

I gave up! I'm tired of Facebook deciding to hand over my personal information at the drop of a hat. So here is my new blog and I will work hard at keeping this thing up to date.

Oops! Link for pictures

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wadetracy/

New pictures!

You can see how well we keep up with this blog thing. So now there are 6 in the family with the addition of Justin Noel and Matthew Dallon. I would post a picture of the family as well, but Amy and I don't show up in pictures or mirrors anymore since the twins were born. We hope all is well with everyone and Merry Christmases to all!