New Brother or a Vacation

Yesterday the kids and I went to Sandy to meet a cousin of my biological father. She took us to lunch and we visited for quite a while. We then went shopping for clothes for Sydney as she has a few pair of pants that actually fit. It was a very long day and by the time we got to Lehi, Sydney was crying and saying mean things to Ryan. She told him that she wanted a new brother. He said - "A new brother huh - well, you can't have a new brother because Mom can't have more kids." He continued to explain to her that there wasn't a possible way that she could have a new brother no matter what. I told him that I'm sure that he had done enough explaining and he said, "Well, maybe I just need to go on vacation." I giggled to myself and asked him why he would want to go on a vacation and he said "If I go on vacation, Sydney will miss me and want me for a brother." I giggled a little more as I've said before to him that I needed a vacation so that when I came home he would be happy to see me. Funny the things they pick up on.

Yesterday was a great day. We just relaxed as a family. I spent quite a bit of time online trying to find a heart rate monitor. The one that has all of the bells and whistles that I like is called the Garmin Forerunner 305.
Unfortunately, it is $100 more than I want to spend on a heart rate monitor. There are a bazillion reviews on this one though and many of them are positive. I received an Amazon gift card from my parents for Christmas so I am somewhat stuck on where I can purchase my little gadget. I also found a Polar Heart rate monitor the F11 version and it looks nice too.



It doesn't have the software that come with it though so I would have to purchase that separately, which then puts the price up to what I would pay for the Garmin. I did find another monitor on a different site that is within my price range, but again, I am somewhat stuck with Amazon as a large portion of the price is held up in a gift card. I hope to find something soon as I will start my workouts pretty heavily within the next day or so as I plan to participate in at least two triathlons this year and Brett and I have the goal to do at least one Century ride this year.

New Leaf

I think from time to time it is important to turn over a new leaf. So, today is the day. I find that I really enjoy reading other people's blogs. So, with that I am going to try and do a little more blogging and a little more of taking pictures of the kids.

We had a great Christmas. We try to keep everything low key, and then of course come Christmas Eve we see that we have way more under the tree than we should have. We purchased a game for the Wii called Rayman Raving Rabbids II. The kids love it and I actually get a kick out of watching us all. There are several mini games that make me laugh. They range from throwing paper balls at a teacher while he is trying to write on the board, to using your cell phone in the middle of a movie, all while trying not to get caught. I think my favorite part is watching Ryan and listening to him giggle. I think out of all of the purchases we made this Christmas, this was by far the best one.

Yesterday Brett and I went to Park City to buy clothes for the kids. Sydney desperately needed some pants so we went to get some for her. It was freezing to say the least. The prices of clothing weren't spectacular, but we were able to at least get her some jeans for $10 a pair. Not the best price, but better than paying full price somewhere else. It was really nice to be able to spend the time with Brett. That doesn't happen very often. Brett's parents watched the kids and I was very grateful for them doing that.

It's been a while since I have written. Life right now is great. Last night we picked up a tradition that Brett used to do when he was a kid and we made sugar cookies on a Popsicle stick. We then decorated them and put them on plates for the kids to take to their friends. We drove to several houses and I guess last night was a leave the house FHE night as everywhere we went we were left yet another plate of cookies. We are going to try to deliver them again tonight.

Christmas is a week from today. Each year it seems like it comes so quickly. I am happy to say that I am done shopping and that I have just been able just enjoy the spirit of the holidays. This year I am especially thankful for my family. I hope that I tell them enough. I am so grateful for a husband that supports me in all that I do. He has been such a rock for me the past couple of months and I have realized more than ever how fortunate I am to have him in my life. We have been through some rough times together. He is ever forgiving and loving to me regardless of the circumstances.

I am also very grateful for computers. I have been able to keep in touch with my family and send pictures back and forth recently and I am grateful that I have our computer at my disposal. We are a very blessed family.

More than all of this, I am grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It's healing power has lifted me to higher heights. I have been so comforted in ways that I never thought possible. I am truly grateful for the blessings I have received by way of the gift of the Son of God. May all who read this know that I know that God LIVES! I know that he sent His Son as a gift to all mankind. How truly grateful I am for that knowledge. It is know longer just a belief. I KNOW IT!