Merry Christmas!

I hope that everyone has had a Merry Christmas! We had a great day! Last night we had our annual Christmas eve party with tons of food and Games. So Fun. We woke up this morning and did presents and then hung out. We then all went sledding as a fam. Soooo fun! It snowed 4 inches last night so we had a lot to work with. We loved it.

My FAVORITE Tradition!

This is my most favorite tradition of all. Each year we set out this same box. It is a simple box. It has a pic of Christ and his family. It is to Christ. What we do is make a goal that we want to accomplish for the year. That goal is our gift to Christ. We take the last Monday before Christmas and we open our gift to Christ. Each member of the Family reads their 'gift' and then we personally decide whether or not we have fulfilled our gift. When we were younger our parents took us each aside one-by one and helped us. I think this is so good because It helps me remember the real and true meaning of Christmas. It is not the worldly gifts but the spiritual and the things that we can do to better ourselves and our families that matter. Also, I know that the gifts that I try and give my elder and most perfect brother who died for me are better than anything that I can buy in the store. I love Christmas! I love the meaning. Another tradition I love is the days of Christmas. We pick a family in our ward or that we know who needs help and start 12days before Christmas. It is so fun to give and not expect anything in return. I love all of you! I hope this season brings you the best! I hope the next year finds you well. I love the Lord and myBrother Christ! In his name Amen!

Better Late than never?

So in true Rachel procrastinator fashion, I need addresses! Anyone who wants a Christmas card let me know! I would love and do love to send them. Thanks!

email them to rachbos44@yahoo.com


MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Turkey or Licorice?

We have had such a great time since we have been here. Thanksgiving was a blast as usual. We ate loads of good food. My dad decided that he was going to save the drum sticks for him and alan for later. Gavin had other plans...

I can't believe that Baylie is going to be 1 next month. I just blows me away at how fast time flies by. Alan has been helping my Grandpa out around his home getting odd jobs done. I went with the kids to meet up with some of my friends Ami and Cara. We had a great time catching up and eating pizza with the kids. We are slowly getting settled in and adjusting to our new ward. I am just getting stoked for my Snowboard trip in 3 weeks! For those of you who know me well I have been snowboarding for 12years and last year was the first year that I did not go once! I am totally jonesing. awww It is one of my passions. I worked and lived in Utah for many years so I have had a seasons pass for about 8 of the last 12 years. I love that my husband and I can share the love of the outdoors and snowboarding. Utah or bust!

All Baylie wanted for dessert was Licorice.

WE're HERE!

Ok so after our two day trek to make it AZ we are here. It is such a nice feeling to be out of the car. And now my blog is fixed. WHEW what a great feeling. Now all that needs to happen is for me to get my truck of stuff and hopefully find the box that has all the warranty info for my camera.~Keeping fingers crossed.

So now that we are here.....
1) Anyone wants to go to the park or anywhere fun with kiddos call me up. I am for sure down.
2) Anyone know of any jobs? Anything that will make a lot of money with not a lot of time? ahhah

HI HOOOOOOOOO

Hi HO Hi Ho its off to mesa we go.....

Ok so I am not going to post for a couple days because...
1) The blog that I used to get all my free cute layouts from no longer exsists and it's making me mad that my blog is ugly.

2) We are moving back to AZ on Thurs. I know I know. WHATEVER!

3) Gaving broke my camera! I should rephrase that I asked alan to bring me the camera and instead of doing so he told Gavin to and it's broke:( soooo sad. oh well what are ya gonna do.

So if anyone has any suggestions on free layouts that are easy to do.....I guess I am not as computer savvy as I thought.

Halloween!

We had a fun Halloween. We went over to our friends home and had pizza and cupcakes. We just visited and had a blast. Next, we went trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. Gavin was a dragon and Baylie was a pumpkin. It was so hot and poor Gavin was sweating to death. But we had fun anyways.

Grateful Sunday.

This week has been wonderful. My younger Sis Jen came to visit. The kids love her! She is so fun and always has a 'surprise' for Gavin. We hung out and shopped and had movie marathon night. I love when my family is able to come and hangout.

We also had the primary program in our ward. I love the program. It is so spiritual and the kids do such a great job. Gavin said he part so good. He informed us this morning that he did not want to sing that he was just going to mouth the words quietly. And that is just what he did! It was hilarious. He just moved his mouth. The other sunbeam boys were having a competition of who could sing the loudest. Great times.

I also received a calling. I am now the miamaids advisor. I am so excited! I love the young women. Today was my first day and it was pretty sad. A young women in our stake past away thing morning after a week long struggle to stay alive. It is always so hard for young people to grasp the concept of not being invincible. I remember when the first kid that I knew past away. It is soooo sad. But her mission in this life is done. The family created a blog so that members from the school and stake could keep up with her progress. SOOOO many people learned so much about our church. I am so grateful that I know that I have an eternal family. I know that we will be together forever. I know that our time here on earth is short. It is our job to make a LASTING impression. We need our missions to continue after our death just like Christ. I love my family. I love this church. I love the knowledge that we have been given.

Girls Bathroom??

So Gavin and His Best friend Camden, (his pic is below in the last post) have learned that there is a difference between the girls and boys bathrooms. This really isn't my story to tell but my friend does not blog. So anyway, they both ALWAYS want to go into the men's restroom but we don't let them because we can't go in, I am a little nervous that they can't reach the urinals etc. So I make Gav go with me.

Now anyone who has gone into a restroom with a 3-4 year old boy knows it is bound to be embarrassing. They try to look under the stall, they touch everything, they YELL 'what's that smell', Who Farted. Why are you wiping did you poop! etc. It so stinks, I don't mean that literally.

Anyway, so Saturday night my friend and her son had tickets to see Lion King with her dad. At the intermission they went to the bathroom. Where Cam immediately ran for the mens room. She told him no and then had to go over the reasons once again why he had to go with her to the girls restroom. So they went. When they walked out there stood a lesbian lady, short short hair cut, in a full tux-bow tie and all. Cam yelled at the top of his lungs.... I THOUGHT YOU SAID THIS WAS THE GIRLS BATHROOM! OK I was cracking up. And my friend was of course mortified. Moral of the story please please don't go to a womens bathroom dressed as a male. Otherwise we innocent mothers will have to explain other things besides the reasons we use the women restroom.

Baseball, Best Friends, and Birthday parties!

I know it had been a while since I posted.... My in-laws were here for 3 weeks so there was kind of a lot going on. We went to the zoo, Gavin had a his b-day, we went to baseball games. I love Baseball season. Granted I know that we live in Texas and it's only the rangers..... the bright side being that at least once a year since they are in the same league our BELOVED YANKEES come! Sorry to all my AZ friends but I will give a shout out to AZ. Great job this year. Sorry you looked like punks in the playoffs. Better luck next year to my 2 fav teams. But I do love going to the ball park eating hot dogs, peanuts, soda, licorice and pretty much whatever else we can get our hands on.

At Gavs b-day party I did a pinata and you know it takes a dang long time before those little boys can crack it open soooo after all of them had a turn I thought I would just give it a little whack! and help it rip.... Um Barry Bonds over here gave it a little to hard of a whack and broke it open.. It was HILARIOUS! All the boys stood there not to sure what was going on. Then my hubby and his best friend of course would not let me live it down.

Gavin has become OBSESSED with golfing. So I started looking for clubs for his b-day for him. First of hes 4 second we are not trying to be professionals here-yet that is- 3rd he is left handed. Thats right all you dads who read this...Look out for a our future star pitcher. Anyway, Do you know how much real clubs are? Like well over 100 bucks. For a 4 year old b-day that he will out grow? RIGHT. So I went to my fav sight ebay and found a NICE set that had 4 clubs, a bag, practice balls and tees all for 40 bucks! That was how my play it again and sports authority were asking for the bag alone!~ yeah. So he went golfing at a nine hole course with dad and grandpa. LOVED it.

YUMMY!

So I know it's been a while but my In-laws have been intown. They are staying for another week. They have been here for two weeks already! It has been very fun to catch up and hang out. WE will have so many fun pics to post later on.

Last night we had the oppurtunity to take them to one of our FAVORITE resaurants. The Melting Pot. For those of you that have not been there please take the time and pretty hefty amount of money, and go. It is soooo good.

I suggest going all out and getting 'the big night out' for your first time. The reason being even if you don't like everything just try it! The way you cook and the sauces and flavors are amazing. Another reason is It all inclusive! You get apps, salad, entree, and of course dessert!

1st we got the Mediterranean cheese and the spinach and artichoke cheese! I love the spinach one. sooooo good. *FYI*If you go with more than two request a table with two burners*

2nd I got the California salad. It was good but alan got the mushroom one super good

3rd. WE got the two kinds of broth cooking styles coc Au Vin and MO JO. I love the mojo very flavorful.

the chocolate is my fav. we got amaretto and regular. Last time we got the turtle it was soooo good.

My Happy List

i Made a happy list. Everyone should follow suit. It will remind you of all your favorite things....

HAVE A GOOD DAY!

Jog Down Memory Lane

Jog Down Memory Lane
Thx Kel Ü Ok this is not something I really wanted to relive.
High School Drama:
1. Who were your friends? Everyone I think I just chilled with all sorts of people.
2. What sports did you play? Swimming and track
3. What kind of car did you drive? Oh yaaa the shaggin wagon family mini van. I think I bottomed that thing out at bushnell so many time! ahahha
4. On a Friday nights what were you doing? football games parties wherever.
5. Were you a party animal? Ummm I will plead the 5th on that one.
6. Were you considered a flirt? I don't think so???
7. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? Orchastra til 9th
8. Were you a nerd? Probably
9. Did you get suspended/expelled? nope
10. Can you still sing the fight song? nope
11. Who was your favorite teacher? ummm mr. wichusen and mr.ernest
12. Where did you sit during lunch? at whatever local fast food joint we hit up.
13. Name of school? Mountain View High School
14. School mascot? Toro
15. School Colors? Red blue
16. Rival high school? EVERYONE! Cuz we are the best.
17. Did you go to Prom? schnope
18. If you could go back and do it again, would you?Hell no I won't go.
19. What do you remember most about graduation? the after party.
20. Where did you go for senior skip day? Don't remember. I was always ditching.
21.Favorite memory? um lets see, mexico, flashing, bushnell I have no clue what my fav is.
22. Were you in any clubs? nope.
23. Where did you go most often for lunch? wendys
24. Have you gained some weight since then? um yesssss
25. Who was your Senior prom date? didn't go
26. Are you planning on going to your 10-year reunion? nope
27. Who was your home room teacher? don't remember
28. That was a lame question so I'm putting in my own: How many fights did you get in?none kelli your a dork.
29. Who was your high school sweetheart? um no one really

30. Do you still talk to people from high school? I only talked to a few until I started blogging!
31. Did you win prom queen or king? no way!
32. Where did you work in high school? didn't except in the summer at Sunsplash yesss
33. What were your grades?um mostly c's bad I know.
34. What was your dress style? probably skater style
35. What year did you graduate? 1998 holy cow I am old.

Ok-Stacie, Becky, Amijoy, and Amy Kidd

Just some more pics.

Plus it was Alan and I's 5the Anniversary. We went and stayed in a hotel and went to dinner and just Vegged out. I love that. I love having no plans no timelines And yes sometimes no kids.

We went to the coolest resturant called fire/water. We sat on deck overlooking a lake with fountains. We just talked for forever.

Also this week!

I took advantage of the fact that my mom was here and read the twilight series.

Ok LOVED THEM! I can't wait for the next one. Anyway, I am sorry Edward is probably hot and what not but, I LOVE Jacob. He is so my type. A total boys boy. I mean really Rosalie fixes her mans car? what is that. I feel so bad for him. He is so funny way more personality than Edward. Edward is stuffy and high maintenace. I want everyones thoughts!

BUSY WEEK!

First: Grandma came to visit! I love my mom. I am so thankful when she comes to town. Well, any of my family. I sometimes don't feel like I really fit in or that people don't understand me. Who I am inside. When my fam is around it's over, there is no explaining me. We have so much fun. Plus, she spoils my kids rotten. We went to Peter Piper with friends and of course went shopping.

GRATEFUL SUNDAY???

I am going to copy Steph and say that I had a grateful. I was asked to teach the Lesson in R.S.
We had kind of a busy morning we don't have church til 1:30-worst time ever- I had to pick up my mom at the airport at 11. When we got to sacrament Gavin was on Grandma overload and WAY hyper. The bishopric got re-done since our bish was moving. When they called our new bish and he stood and I raised my hand I got total confermation that he was to be the new bishop. I am so thankful for that. That was about all I got out of Sacrament as it was Baylies nap time and obviously she was not napping.

As a gave the lesson I was very impressed to talk about how Pres Kimball says that by the time our children are married or go on their missions they need to have been told about chastity 100's of times. Most of us girls were raised in homes where you just did not talk about sex, or age, or girl problems or ANYTHING really. It did not come out more until high school or later. We live in a society now where everything is talked about ALL the time. There are no limits to what is appropriate and sacred. WE as parents it is our responsibility to talk to our children first about the things of the world. They need to hear from us about sex, homosexuality, adultery, porno etc. If we don't someone else will. Do you want someone Else's opinion to govern your child? Just a thought. I love the Lord. I am thankful that prophets like Jacob of old, Pres kimball Pres. hinkley and all of the prophets who have been around for hundreds of years to warn of all the dangers of the world. I know that they speak the truth. I know their words are from God to help us get back to him.

HAppy or Sad?

Today was a very happy day for Gavin. It is his first day of Pre-school! He is hoping that he will have homework. He took his 'Big' T-Rex for show n tell. When we got there I got out of the car to walk him up and he just said bye mom! Seriously he did not want anything to do with me coming up there. So I took him up anyway and he just kept telling me bye. I ran back to the car to get the lady some money and when I came back he said your already back? Bye mom. So he is very excited.

I on the other hand was driving home and could not help but come to a few sad realizations.

1) I being my cute, young, happy, still feel like I am 20 self,-j/k have a son old enough to be in school! When did this happen? How did this happen? I seriously remember sitting in second period like yesterday wondering when the dang bell is going to ring! After having children I have found out a couple things. One it seems like Christmas or any holiday in which we have to spend money to get presents is ALWAYS here! And two time FLIES by.

2) I am now driving a drive that will consume my next 20 plus years of live depending how many children I have. Wow! what a slap in the face. I am not a morning person. I never have been and probably never will be. Now I have to be up and out of the house by 8:45. Judas priest this whole mom thing just gets better and better. hahah

HAPPY FIRST DAY of SCHOOL! ps as you can tell Baylie is very happy about the new day!

NEW THINGS

I am sick of making the same things night after night. Please send me fun good recipes that your fam loves! Let's mix it up here. If anyone wants suggestions I will share as well.

NOT A TEACHER!

So two weeks ago I had to speak in church. This week I had to substitute the 11-12 year olds. I must admit I think that this was a punishment from Heavenly Father for how crappy I was to all of my Sunday school teachers. Payback sucks. Anyway so last night I am sitting and enjoying the end of my labor day. We had just cooked steaks on the grill, had fruit salad and romen salad, and my favorite holiday treat chips and dip! yum. When the phone rings.... It's the second counselor in the R.S. Hi Rachel can you teach the lesson next Sunday? Oh MY gosh. First off, they just called a new teacher on Sunday.-relief for me. when I spoke they released the lady and did not call anyone.

So, why am I being called to speak. And on of all things Chastity! This is a touchy subject. Alans said, It's not that big of a deal everyone is married. Ummmm actually we have a lot of singles in our ward. I am nervous.

Your song!

hey this is pretty fun. Find out what the number one song on the day you were born was!

http://www.joshhosler.biz/NumberOneInHistory/SelectMonth.htm_

GIVE ME A BREAK!

And I do not mean a kit kat bar!

Any who. So tonight is one of my friends birthdays. Her hubby plans a fun night out to dinner and then games at their home. We all get babysitters and go to dinner. Super good time by the way. After dinner we all leave and go to their home.

Al and I get there first. Then the other 4 couples return with THEIR CHILDREN! Am I being rediculous or would the rest of you do this? Hire a babysitter for an adult night out and return with kids. I am sorry but it is not fun to me, to go play games, but we have to wait and hour or two for everyone to get their kids in seperate rooms and down to bed! In other words impossible! I spend all week with these kids. SERIOUSLY>

I just want a break! One night with good conversation, good food and good fun. Is this to much to ask? Holler To all my friends in Utah and those that will just hangout.


To those that are addicted to your children. The prophet says that we need to spend quality time ALONE with our spouse to have a good, quality, wholesome marriage. I know that sometimes I forget why we got married. Our spouses get put on the back bunner so often because of life. It is fun to go out and flirt and just have a good time with out worry about feeding the baby or gavin yelling in the restaurant.

I guess I should pay attention

Ami I did not even see that you tagged me until today. I suck. Anyway here goes.

1. 4 Jobs I have had:

* Lifeguard at Sunsplash-ohhhh yaaa
* Swim and synchronized swim coach
* America West Airlines
* Font desk agent at the Canyons in Park City

2. 4 Movies I can watch over and over:
* National Treasure
* Goonies
* The Sweetest Thing
* The new Peter Pan

3. 4 Places I have lived

* Salt Lake City
* Bend Oregon
* Lewisville Texas
*Mesa, AZ

4. 4 Guilty Pleasures

* ANY kind of CANDY!
* Sleeping in
* Dr. Pepper
*Manis and pedis

5. 4 places I have been on Vacation

* Rocky Point
* Sandpoint Idaho-beautiful
* San diego
* Portland

6. 4 Favorite Foods

* Mattas Chimis
* Benihanas
* Sushi
* Salad

7. Websites I visit:

*ebay
* Craigslist
* yahoo
* BLOGGER!

8. 4 places I rather be right now.

* The beach
* Snowboarding
* With my fam
* Italy

9. 4 Books I love:

* Harry Potter
* A million little pieces
* My friend Leonard
* Down the long hills

10. 4 Things I would like to know how to do

* Scrapbook cute
* Speak Spanish
* Sing
* Make a ton of money with out doing anything. hahaha

11. 4 negelected body parts

Are you kidding with just 4! I have kids people. Get out of here.

12. 4 Things I worry about.

* My childrens happiness
* My bluntness
* my hubby getting all his needs
* My fam

13. 4 Happy moments

* Marring al in the temple
* Having my children
* Snowboarding
* Seeing my fam

14. 4 Things I want to do this year

* Make quilts
* catch up on scrapbooks
* save money
* not be on the computer so much

I Tag

Stacie
Kelli
Mel
Heidi

SUNDAY TALK

A couple of weeks ago Alan had to speak in church. He thought it would be funny as his joke to volunteer me to speak! The bishopric also agreed that this was funny and so they asked me to speak. NOT FUNNY! Anyway, as my joke I volunteered Alan for a calling. I said well bishop Al said that we have been in the ward for a while and he said that he can't believe that he has not been called to serve. I told everyone that he was ready and willing. The 1st counselor came up to me after and told me not to worry his name is down and they are just deciding where to put him. Karma sucks babe.

I spoke on Reverence. What a great topic. I think we could all use a little reverence in our lives. Not just Sundays but a whole lifestyle. If we are reverent then we respecting and loving our Father in heaven. We will be a better people over all. Pres. Kimball said that Latter day Saints should be the most reverent of all people on the face of the earth. Wow that really puts it in perspective. In our manuals for church-Teachings of the prophets. Pres. Kimball Lesson 15 in on Reverence take a look.

7 RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME>thx kel

1. I am a major insomniac. I cannot sleep to save my life.

2. I am a phonaholic as my mom says.

3.I am obsessed with ebay

4. I like to move. I like to see new places. I get stir crazy.

5. My biggest fear in my back to a dark forest. I can't see whats behind me.

6. I can't shave my legs in the winter. I itch for the whole day and night after and I scratch until I bleed. It sucks.I am fine when I am tan.

7. I secretly wish I was famous!hahaha

Now tag 4 more..... AMI, Cara, Stacie, Steph

I am a dork!

Ok Ok I know it has been a while but I just had to post about this book as I just finished reading for the 2nd time! I went the night it came out an hour early and waited in line, ALONE mind you. To get the book. The 2 little boys behind me had the coolest wand. I was on the phone with Stacie Roger and my sister in law. They both live on the west coast. So they wanted me to call them when I got it. Anyway, I got this cool wrist band that said Gryffindor on it and that was my line. When it was time to start moving they let the Gryffindor line go before Slytherin. Thats right! You know the better house. So I got my book and The wrist bands for the rest of the houses. I got home and started reading. Read til 5 am went to bed. Woke at 8 and started again. I had to work that day so I took it to work. My husband was not to happy since he wanted to start reading it. But I could not put it down. I cried at work while reading! Anyway-I loved it I am sad it is over. So if anyone else has any suggestions for somemore good books Come on down.

THANK YOU

Today was such a hard day. And, for no real reason. Kids were winey I was tired etc. When my husband gets home he is so good about taking them and spending daddy time. He wrestles with Gav and helps them bath and talks and play. They love it and I love it. There is nothing better than watching a daddy with his kids. I am so thankful for all the involvment my husband gives. What a great dad. I love you.

I HATE the Hospital

Ok so friday night softball is pretty much a ritual in our fam. If alan is not playing in a league then I am. So tonight Alan was playing catcher and his best friend short stop. Launched a ball at him for the play. Well I don't know if it is Alans failing eyesight-he refuses that he needs glasses- or just anticipation of the play but Alan got a pretty good ball hit to the face.

6 hours, a cat scan, a fractured eye soccet-I can't spell- and a perscription for pain pills. It is 2 am and I cannot sleep. My husbands face is just nasty. I will post some pics.

But the point is the emergency room SUCKS! Everyone is nasty and sick. They take forever. Ok mam we will just get your stuff and check you out. Why does that take an hour and a half. Get the paperwork already. Let me go home.

Baylie

Baylie is just 7 months old and already so much personality is booming out of her. She tries to be very serious. She sees how long she can go without smiling. It is hilarious. She is such a frustrated baby! She sees her brother running and jumping and she wants to do it soooo bad! She comandos everywhere. She can't crawl all the way yet. She does the rock on the knees thing. But she can get on her belly and use her elbows to get her everywhere.

She LOVES Food. I was looking forward to the fun face stage when they try new food. Baylie just wants to eat it all. She loves it.

THE GAVSTER

This is my Gavin. Without whom I am not sure my days would exsist. He is such a great big brother to Baylie. He loves to 'play' with her. And at 7 months this consists of him laying his head in her lap and letting her pull or suck or smack his head and face. He is my permanate diaper getter and throw awayer!

Gavin LOVES sharks, fish and anything that has to do with sea animals. Shark week is a big thing in our home. He love to play with Cars and swords. He is very excited to start pre-school and take is 'pack pack' to school. Gavin is such a good friend and everyone is his BEST friend.

He can swim so good. He loves his goggles and to do big arms. He jumped off the diving board and swam across the pool all by himself. Good boy!

New at this!

Ok so thanks a lot friends who talked me into this junk!:) I already have to many addictions ie-myspace, Harry Potter, candy I do not need to add another to the long list. AHHHH but here goes an attempt.