Christmas in Pictures

Christmas Eve

Forget traditional foods, we had steak and shrimp, rolls, grean beans, and lots of treats. Tim did an amazing job at the grill. We so love having a great room, plenty of space to just hang out and enjoy each other. It was a treat to have Cory, Jenna and Calvin to celebrate with us.

We had a little talent show. I didn't get a pic of B and E playing the piano.
T played Silent Night and some other classical music. Sometimes I forget he is only 16 he is so good. Quite the mini concert.

Cory did a little John Denver, "Christmas and Cowboys". Apparently it is all the rage in Phoenix. I love listening to just him and a guitar. I think he must have got my porition of the the musical talent.

True Grit

Tim and I went to see True Grit on Monday night. Ok, let's just get this part out of the way so that we (I) can focus on the merits of the movie. Matt Damon as a Texas Ranger - worth the price of admission. That being said, the movie was great, definitely an A. The dialogue was so witty and sharp, unexpected for what I expected to be a typical Western. I read that the Coen brothers took most of the dialogue directly from the novel by Charles Portis. Now I'm completely intrigued and have already put the book on my Amazon wishlist. The short version of the plot is that Mattie, a 14 year old girl, is on a mission to avenge her father's murder and drags along a US Marshall and Texas Ranger for back up. Any more description than that is tough, do yourself a favor, go see the movie. If you don't love it, popcorn is on me.

Christmas Miracle

So this was a serious Christmas miracle. Last week Tim and E went snowboarding. They came home soaked, so I thought I would be kind and wash all of their gross gear. I went through all of the coat pockets before washing so as to prevent a tragedy. Two days later Tim asked if I had seen his ipod and told me that he had taken it skiing. I was sure I hadn't washed it, I checked the pockets. Oh, the pants pockets? My heart kind of sunk a little then, and even more when I pulled the pants out of the dryer and found the i-pod, headphones still attached. Of course it was dead. Just to have a little Pollyanna moment, I went and plugged it into a charger, and left (you know, watched pot never boils and all). When I went back a half hour later, it turned on, then miracle of miracles, it worked, headphones and all. I have no idea how that is possible, for sure it was a true Christmas miracle.
Just a little PS, the same miracle doesn't occur with Blackberry phones. I may have done the same thing to Jarin's phone at Bear Lake after we all got wet and dirty on the boat. I really better stop trying to be so helpful.

The End

Nothing like a little slave labor to finish off the night.

After Party

The only thing better than the pinata? Pinata hats!

Party People

Just some random Rock Stars.

Pinata

Have you ever seen such a great pinata? If you need the hook up, let me know. Remember all of those small boys? Add a broom to the mix, encourage them to swing and it gets realy interesting.

Pre Party

we had the annual Broadbent/Hancock Christmas party at our house on Sunday. My dad only has one sister so it used to be small. With all the grand kids, we have definitely expanded. This year there were 6 boys under the age of 4. Fun!

While Visions of Sugar Plums

My parents scored tickets to the David Arculeta concert and Jami's name was drawn out of the hat to get the extras. I'm pretty sure it was rigged, but I think I got the better end of the deal and spent the night with the babies. When they first got in the car, I started telling them the things we needed to do. Just to make sure we didn't miss anything, Ada said she would write a list. So funny, notice that she started checking off each activity when it was completed. By the way, I did not help her spell anything.



As we drive I asked them what they wanted from Santa. Ada wanted a chapter book and Miles wanted lots of robots. When I asked them what I should request from Santa, Ada suggested jewlery and fancy clothes. Miles said that I should ask for a GARDEN. Seriously, a garden. He pointed out that I didn't have one. Of course.

Don't worry, even though they aren't all checked, we finished everything on the list. Tim and E got home in time to tell them good night, then we read stories in bed. When I got up to leave them, I could hardly believe how sweet they looked.

What Was I Thinking?

We had scheduled to have some maintenance done on my pathfinder this morning. When I opened the garage door and saw the foot of snow, I am not sure why I didn't re-think that plan. So on the day we received more snow than we have all year, I drive this? Really, four wheel drive is highly overrated.

Just wish me luck when it comes time to drive home.

Quotable

I'm kind of a fan of top ten lists. Reminds me of a lot of late nights with David Letterman. Anyway, a lot pop up around this time of year. I may share a few.

1. "I'm not a witch"
Christine O'Donnell, the Republican candidate for the US Senate and Tea Party favourite in a campaign ad.
2. "I'd like my life back."
3. "If you touch my junk, I'm gonna have you arrested."
Airline passenger John Tyner to a Transportation Security Administration worker at San Diego airport, November 13, 2010
4. "Don't retreat. Instead -- reload!"
Sarah Palin, Twitter, March 23
5. "Chi! Chi! Chi! Le! Le! Le! Los mineros de Chile!"
Chilean miners being rescued, emerging from their underground prison, October 13
6. "I hope that's not where we're going, but you know, if this Congress keeps going the way it is, people are really looking toward those Second Amendment remedies. They're saying: My goodness, what can we do to turn this country around?"
Sharron Angle, who ran unsuccessfully in the 2010 midtermsradio interview, January
7. "We have to pass the (health care) bill so you can find out what is in it."
Nancy Pelosi, the outgoing speaker of the US House of Representatives speech to National Association of Counties, March 9
8. "I'm going to take my talents to South Beach."
Basketball star LeBron James, who upset his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, to join the Miami Heat, during a TV broadcast, July 8
9. "You're telling me that the separation of church and state is found in the First Amendment?"
Christine O'Donnell... again, this time in a debate ahead of her election race in Connecticut, October 19
10. "They should never have put me with that woman. ... She was just a sort of bigoted woman who said she used to be Labour."
Gordon Brown, moments after meeting Gillian Duffy, a 66-year-old widow who told him she was concerned about immigration from Eastern Europe.

First Day of School

So this is a little outdated, but I found the picture on Jami's Facebook and had to post it. Ada's birthday is shortly before school starts and I usually buy her clothes (since she could express an opinion she has loved clothes). Two years running my outfit has made the grade to be the first day of school outfit. Man she is cute.

Jury Duty

Like a lot of people, I have been fascinated by the trial of Brian David Mitchell. I can only imagine how anxious Elizabeth Smart and her family were to get a verdict, but who would have guessed it would have been so quick. I think the jury returned after less than five hours of deliberations. I was called to jury duty a few months ago, a case of a simple assault, pick up basketball game gone bad. We deliberated for six hours. Yes you read right, six. It was insane. For nearly all that time the vote was five to one, maybe I was the one holdout. We finally found a technicality and I agreed to acquit. I wanted to go home after one hour, but didn't feel right about voting against my conscience. It was rough, I can't imagine sitting on a jury of a case with more severe consequences. There have been a few high profile cases lately that have had Tim and I talking about our jury system. Clearly it is not a perfect system but it's probably the best there is. How about you, anyone else served on a jury?

Tis the Season

I don't want to ruin the surprise of our Christmas card, but here is a little sneak peek of what you can expect to receive.



I took the image off of http://wordtoyourmother-mindi.blogspot.com/, and no, I'm not smart enough to figure out how to make that a link. Where is a four year old when you need one.

I Hate That Stupid Old Pickup Truck

This song popped up on my I-pod this morning and has me wishing for summer (yes I know it is only November. It just brought up such great memories of fun and sun. The kids, and maybe the adults too, spent a lot of time on the boat, and in the truck with the windows down, singing this song loudly and probably off key. Go ahead, give it a try. See, it's feeling warmer already.

Who Needs Plastic Surgery...

When you have a photographer who can
make you look like a rock star.







All photos courtesy of the amazinly talented Jami Broadbent anc Click Photography,
find her at www.jbroadbentphoto.com

It Really Wasn't That Long Ago

We went to the Utah State Homecoming parade a few weeks ago. The football team from 1960 (or what was left of it) rode on a float. Some were wearing their orignal jersies. As they came by B and I were waving and one of the guys said to us "It really wasn't that long ago". Later
that night Tim and I went to my high school reunion, maybe my tenth, maybe my twentieth, I'll never tell. It was held at the high school and as soon as I walked in I thought, it really wasn't that long ago. Some of the memories were so distinct and we had a great time laughing at inside jokes, stories and how funny some of the trends were. Most of the girls looked great. We are older and wiser, but most were so much prettier. I think some of that comes from figuring yourself out and then living true to that. Since I'm pretty sure that none of the guys from my high school read my blog can I just say, man they looked bad. Ok, that may be a litle harsh. Great guys but the years haven't been nearly as good to them. Sorry fellas.
Here are some of my favorite girls. See you in another ten years or so.

The Price is Right

I stopped at Wal-Mart last night to get some chocolate ice cream and waffle bowls (Tim's request). I didn't want to take in my purse and had cash (which never happens) so I just grabbed a $20 and went into the store. Once inside I decided we probably needed some fruit, more eggs and OJ. We were having breakfast burritos for dinner so I decided to get some salsa. The Walmart brand Garlic and Lime is my favorite salsa, so of course I picked up a few bottles. I made my way to the checkout and was so proud that I had few enough items to go through the express lane. That was until he gave me the total of $28.79. Only then did I remember that I did not have my debit card with me, only the limited cash. So I start the ridiculous process of picking items for him to take off in an attempt to get below the self imposed $20 limit. It was like a really bad episode of The Price is Right. The worst part (of course other than how embarrassed I was as other shoppers waited behind me), was realizing that if I had been on The Price is Right, I would have gone home empty handed and been booed. I was so bad at figuring out what items would get me under the limit, I actually had him dividing up the bananas and taking them off one at a time. So embarrassing.

Thinking about The Price is Right always makes me miss my Grandma and Grandpa Childs. They loved The Price is Right, especially my grandpa. I think Bob Barker ranked right up there with Lawrence Welk. Some of my best childhood memories revolve around watching The Price is Right with them during summer vacation. Usually mom mom had sent us to the garden to weed, but my grandma felt bad for her "poor babies" and would invite us into the house to watch with them. If we were lucky, they would let us stay for The Young and the Restless. Probably best that we didn't really understand all that was going on in that show. Man I miss my grandparents. Grandpa, if you were watching, sorry I was so bad at my pricing skills.

Thought for the Day

My mother in law sent this thought today. It put into words something that I strongly believe.

Try as hard as you can to forget both the past and the
future. Develop the habit of living just one day at a time, and living it to the very limit of your ability, and you will have learned one of the most valuable lessons of your life. Brooding on past hurts or injustices does you no good, and can do you immeasureable harm. What is done is done, and there is no going back. Going forward is the only thing that counts, so act as thought your life had just started from today-- and see how different your attitude will be when you stop living with those ghosts of the past.

Wilson Phillips? Seriously?

Last weekend I went to a high school class reunion(more about that later), and part of the swag was a CD of the classic songs we used to listen to. I was driving home from work yesterday and Wilson Phillips "Hold On" came on. It has been a rough couple of weeks and I found myself first crying, then being encouraged by the song. Totally different set of issues but I laughed at getting so emotional over Wilson Phillips of all things.



Once I got the motions under control, I cheered myself up with a little "Lay Your Hands On Me". Maybe you had to grow up with Bon Jovi, but if you haven't heard this one in awhile, do yourself a favor and give it a listen.

It's a Fine Line...

...between looking stylish and looking like Mrs. Roper. I think my dress today is just barely on the stylish side of the line. If not, at least I'm comfortable.

I'm a Big Boy Now

You may remember this cute little guy. Mr. Miles to you.

He had a big birthday which we celebrated all weekend. Today I called and when he answered I asked "is this my baby boy?", which is what I always say. He told me "I'm not a baby, I'm 4" and wouldn't even go along with me calling him baby. Man, I guess once you start preschool you are on the downhill slide to old age.
Luckily Jesse and Ada still let me call them my baby girls, must be a girl thing.

Inspiring

So, it was the St. George marathon this weekend. I got sick a few weeks ago and was left with a nagging cough and lack of sleep. That along with the fact that it was hotter than I have ever experienced at the marathon let me know that this was not my year for a PR, or anywhere close. Starting with that in mind made this a very different race for me. Not only did I slow down physically, but I slowed down mentally, I spent more time observing and really just enjoying the experience. It was one of my slowest, but definitely one of the most memorable.
As I ran, I observed and thought about so many people that inspired me, made me not only want to run better, but just to be better. Here's what inspired me yesterday:
1. My brother Jarin, and every other runner that completed their first marathon. I am so proud.
2. The gentleman in a wheelchair struggling up the Veyo hill at a snails pace. I was in awe of his determination.
3. The woman who stopped by her husband and kids, to get a glucose monitor and test her blood sugar. It made me remember how lucky I am that any health issues I have had were very temporary.
4. The friend who conquered very difficult circumstances to show up, and to finish.
5. The little kids who cheer and high five, and treat the slowest of runners like a superstar.
6. The volunteers. People think I am crazy to get up at 4:00 in the morning to run the marathon. How about the people who get up hours before that just to support it. Thank you.
7. My dad who had heart surgery in June, and still ran strong enough to encourage me throughout the race.
8. The man in a wheelchair near the finish with a large sign that said "mind over matter". Again, what amazing strength to encourage thousands of people doing something that he cannot do.
9. The men and women in the 70+ age categories. I only hope to have that much vitality when I am that age.
10. My family, the ones who were there in person, waiting in the hot sun and giving me something to look forward to; the ones who couldn't be there but called and encouraged, and of course, Tim, who ran a great marathon and every day inspires me to be a little better.
11. And the poster that gave me a mantra for the race, and maybe for life: EAT, PRAY, LOVE, RUN. Really, what more is there?

Dirty Dash

So on Saturday, I had way too much fun running up and down hills, wading through mud bogs, climbing over walls (ok, let's be honest, I really just snuck around them), and sliding down the biggest slip and slide I have ever seen. Did I mention that there was a lot of laughing going on. Seriously, that is what running should be about, great costumes, great friends, and tons of fun.
Too bad they didn't have an actual picture of the course, but this will give you the general idea. It doesn't quite capture the size of the hay bales, or the smell of the deer creek mud bogs.

Of course we all had to have intimidating names. It's all about the presentation.

We were told several times that we looked "way too clean". We were just the few that avoided the full on mud wrestling.


Somehow I don't think that St. George Marathon this weekend will be quite the same party.

Shameless Plug

So I have this niece, Jesse, who is pretty much amazing. In addition to being a super star soccer player (seriously, check out the pics, would you want to go up against her), she is also beautiful, funny, sassy, and smart. Anyway, her team is doing a fundraiser, the best part is that I didn't have to buy any candles. They are selling comfy pajamas, how great is that. So, check out the site and if anything catches your eye, let me know, I can hook it up. Seriously, 3 items for $25 what a steal.
www.pajamafundraiser.com (And no, I don't know how to make this into a link. Isn't it clear that I have no computing skills?)

Why Cant Mormons Send Flowers

I can't take credit for finding this clip, I found it here (http://wordtoyourmother-mindi.blogspot.com) I have watched it several times and it just keeps making me laugh).



BTW Eran, maybe you could help me figure out how to make that blog site into a link.

Bear Lake - Extras

My camera/computer has been having some issues and I just found these photos from Bear Lake. A little late, but oh well.
Miles really wanted to go down the slide, but needed a slide buddy. The slide was definitely not built for adults and I kept worrying that I would get stuck going around one of the turns, but we made it!




Tired and warm after a great day.