Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year

It's rare that we have all the cousins together so we had to make a picture moment for the 2013 calender. 

Tonight, Chelsea had big plans.  She got a fun group together to party with.  First they went to Lake Las Vegas for some ice skating, then they went to Cafe Rio to get some dinner.  They just got together at our house to change and get ready for the New Years dance.  Brianna is partying the night with friends as well. 






Mike and I are spending a quiet night at home with the boys.  I worked today and work again tomorrow so I don't know if I'll make it to midnight, but we are ready just in case.



 
Mike got things set up for Chelsea for when all her friends get back from the dance and watch the recorded ball drop to welcome the new year.  We have great hopes for 2013. 

 
So we made it to midnight with the boys.  We counted down to 2013, let the boys pop some confetti poppers, and toasted with our fake champange. 
 
 
 

Sunday, December 30, 2012

2012 Facebook posts

Just recording the funny or interesting events I recorded on facebook for the year:

January 4, 2012 - Never thought I'd be having fun at the park in January, without even a jacket!

January 16, 2012 - Still a work in progress but I'm happy to feel its heat again.


January 25, 2012 - My heart is full of gratitude today. I am so blessed!

January 27, 2012 - Loved spending the day with my boys. Shark Reef, park, slushee, Spy Kids 4. (It's not as lame as I expected).


January 31, 2012 - Hey Cord, what should we do tomorrow? (C) Let's wear our costumes! (Me) But I don't have one. (C) you need to get a Bumble Bee costume.

February 5, 2012 - I think its a crime that we don't get paid time and a half today. I mean its a national holiday!

February 9, 2012 - Bottoms up!

February 10, 2012 - So far so good. So grateful for the support of my awesome hubby, family, and friends.

February 11, 2012 - Home sweet Home!

February 15, 2012 - Happy Anniversary to my best friend and soul mate! 20 years and going strong! Love ya Michael!

February 18, 2012 - Finally feeling well enough to go out to eat for our anniversary. I love "Lucilles".

February 20, 2012 - Had a great day with family today! I love being in St George.

February 21, 2012 - Big thanks to Chelsea Marie McKelleb! She drove the family all the way to St. George and back and did a great job.

February 21, 2012 - I can't sew! Epic fail.

February 22, 2012 - Today I got clearance to drive, but I still can't push a refrigerator. Patience!

February 28, 2012  - We found a fun new park today! I'm loving my time off and being with my kids!

 March 1, 2012  - Cord has 7 cavities. Dang those sugar bugs!! Today is going to be fun  

March 2, 2012  - "Cord, should we have a Cord and Momma day?" "Yes," Cord replied. "You can be my date!"

March 6, 2012 - Does anyone know a website to go to check out why movies receive a certain rating? PG 13 can mean so many different things.

March 8, 2012  - For once I can look at a full moon and enjoy its beauty instead of being afraid of what lies ahead of me at work :). Thinking of my friends at work tonight.

March 10, 2012  - Cord is an "action figure". He's saving the world, one bad guy at a time.
 


March 12, 2012  - Interesting day. My doctor said he wanted me to have another 4 weeks off before going back to work instead of the 2 that was originally planned. I have mixed feelings about this. I'm thrilled to have more time with my kids and don't feel I'm ready to be up on my feet for 12 hours, but that means that we are going to have to start pinching some pennies. Don't have quite enough paid time for that.

March 14, 2012  - Does anyone know of a good pool service? I want to see if I can have someone get my pool cleaned and ready use.

March 16, 2012  - Today is going to be a great day!

March 17, 2012  - With the kids at the St Paddys day parade.

March 21, 2012 -  Last day of swim class for Cord and someone in the class before left a "present" in the pool. So now they have to have the lesson in the big, colder pool.

March 22, 2012  - Cord and I brought lunch to daddy to celebrate his birthday  

March 23, 2012  - Waiting to see Brianna dance. So excited to see what she's been working on and why she has a million bruises.

March 24, 2012 -
Missing my Chelsea girl but know she's having a great time in cali with her guitar class.

March 26, 2012 - Never under-estimate how much fun an empty box and a bunch of old stickers can be.

March 30, 2012 - I love easter egg hunts! So glad I still have a little one who enjoys the fun holiday traditions

April 6, 2012 - At SUU with Chelsea. Can't believe its time to start thinking about college!

April 9, 2012 - Anyone know a good, cheap place to go for alterations? Need to get a prom dress hemmed.

April 11, 2012 - My baby is officially registered for kindergarten! :D

April 11, 2012 - Its a sad, sad day. After 8 weeks of being home with my kids I'm headed back to work tonight. Heaven help me remember how to be a nurse.

April 12, 2012  - I survived. All is well. Kids are still alive and house is clean. Can't ask for more than that. Goodnight.

April 21, 2012 -  I've never been so happy to see a bus pull up to the school!!! Been waiting here for an hour to pick up Mason from a field trip to Knotts.

April 28, 2012 - At the salon getting Chelsea's hair done for PROM :D

May 3, 2012  - Guess who's the next one in the family to need glasses.......Mason :) We found out that the left eye is very near sighted while the other one is almost perfect.

May 5, 2012 - Thought I was having a nice conversation with Cord about his soccer game when he suddenly said "Stop mom. You're driving me nuts.".

May 6, 2012 - I'm so out of it I sprayed body spray in my hair and hair spray on my body.

May 10, 2012 - I'm totally loving the new Carrie Underwood CD. Hope she comes back to Vegas on her tour :)

May 12, 2012 - I love watching my girl dance!! Even though they are all dressed the same, I can always pick her out because she is shining!

May 13, 2012 - Our AC is out upstairs. Any suggestions on who to call? Help!

May 25, 2012  - Mason rocking on his alto sax

May 25, 2012 - So proud of my Chelsea girl! She performed an awesome guitar solo at the concert. She also arranged my parents to come down which was a fun surprise for me.

June 8, 2012  - Remember, as far as anyone knows, we are a nice, normal family.

June 14, 2012 - I hate it when you have the chance to sleep as long as you want and your eyes pop open after 4 hours! Uggh

June 14, 2012  - The grass isn't greener on the other side, its greener where you water it"  

June 20, 2012 - Loved swimming with Cord today. When we got out he said "Mom, your towel is SO LAME!".

June 25, 2012 - The fabulous forties have officially arrived. BRING IT ON! Can't wait to go see Brave with my family tonight. It will be my motto on how to conquer growing older. :)

June 26, 2012 - I'm the luckiest girl. Had a great birthday with my family. And my thoughtful hubby restored the satellite radio in my car!! I think of him whenever I'm driving.

June 28, 2012 - I asked Cord if he wanted to go to the city pool and he said "Yes, let's suit up!"

June 30, 2012 - Missing my scout! So glad he comes home today!

June 30, 2012 - I was robbed. Got put on-call for my last night shift before I attempt to be a day shift person. Nothing to do but..... Sleep :)

July 2, 2012 - Talk about baptism by fire! My first day shift and I get floated to another unit where I have to figure things out with double the workload. Its only 12 hrs right?! Deep breaths!

July 4, 2012 - Perfect day for a parade! The sun is hidden behind the clouds :)

July 6, 2012 - 3rd morning in a row that I'm up by 6 AM. So weird. But also kind of nice.

July 9, 2012 - At the park with the boys cuz its finally cooled down to 107! Good grief!

July 18, 2012- Poop is the BEST potty word!". More words of wisdom from Cord

July 19, 2012 - Had a fun afternoon with Cord at the kids museum.

July 26, 2012 - While walking into a gas station bathroom Cord asks (loudly) "Why does it smell like old people?". I don't know Cord. "It smells like old people and it stinks!". So glad nobody else was there.

July 27, 2012 - Had the BEST day with the family at Knotts Berry Farm!! Everyone is tired and happy.

July 28, 2012 - McKelleb family olympics: in the billiards event: Gold - dad, Silver - mom, Bronze - Brianna!

July 30, 2012 - So my baby took her Senior pictures today. WOW! Where did the last 17 years go??

Aug 3, 2012 - Just right for a hot day like today (purple penguin)

Aug 4, 2012 - Like father like son.

Aug 10, 2012 - Both girls getting wisdom teeth out this morning. Its going to be an interesting day.

Aug 19, 2012 - One proud mama today! Chelsea did a guitar solo in church and Mason gave a talk. Both did great!

Aug 22, 2012 - So apparently we had the storm of the century and I missed the whole thing, stuck inside the hospital, too busy to even know that it was raining :( BUMMER.

Aug 23, 2012 - At the dentist. Dr. Hadley asks, "Does this hurt?". Cord replies, "no, it feels like your being hugged by a cat.".

Aug 24, 2012 - So grateful for dental insurance!! 2 weeks ago it was the wisdom teeth. Today 2 kids getting braces.

Aug 27, 2012 - Bittersweet day. Kids finally off to school. Kindergarten, 8th, 10th, and my Senior. Now what to do with myself???? I'm sure I'll think of something :)

Aug 30, 2012 - (from chelsea)  If Mitt becomes president, will the elders quorum help him movie in?" -Jalyn McKelleb my mom can be pretty funny hah  

Sept 15, 2012 - WICKED was AMAZING!! Does anyone want to buy me a ticket so I can go see it again??

Sept 19, 2012 - Does anyone have some youth who are looking for service hours? We need some volunteers to help out tonight at Cross Vegas (a cycling event). I can take them and bring home. From about 5 30 til 10.

Sept 21, 2012 - I'm so ready for some Time Out! Love hanging out with Chelsea but it feels weird without my mom too.

Sept 22, 2012 - Last purple penguin of the season :(

Sept 26, 2012 - Brianna McKelleb told me to "get off the crack pipe mom". What does that even mean???

October 13, 2012  - Happy Birthday to my baby who turns 18 today!! Chelsea McKelleb, when did you get so big?  

Oct 13, 2012 - Time to decorate! Cord has been begging for weeks.  

Oct 13, 2012 - Cord lost his first tooth on Chelsea's 18th birthday!

Oct 19, 2012 - Hang out with kiddos in Seaport Village in San Diego. What a beautiful day!

Oct 20, 2012 - Ready to get "Blown Away" by Carrie Underwood. — with Brianna McKelleb and Chelsea Marie McKelleb.

Oct 20, 2012 - I'm feeling a little out of place without my sparkly shirt, cowgirl boots, hat, or a beer in my hand. Guess I don't know how to get ready for a country concert :S

Oct 21, 2012 - Whenever I get home from San Diego I regret not having spent enough time at the beach.

Oct 23, 2012 - So apparently Chelsea forgot to tell us she was doing a solo at the guitar concert tonight. Silly girl! — with Chelsea Marie McKelleb.

Oct 27, 2012 - See how much my hubby loves me! Set this up as a surprise for me!

Oct 28, 2012 - Happiness is ..... finally driving home from work, buns toasty warm, singing at the top of my lungs to the Wicked soundtrack, knowing that my husband is warming me up some dinner. :)

Nov 2, 2012 - I'm grateful for early voting! Now I don't have to stress about how I'm going to get it done because I work on Tues.

Nov 3, 2012 - I'm grateful to be a part of Team San Martin. I work with some pretty awesome people (both days and nights)!

Nov 4, 2012 - Today I'm grateful that I get to go to church. I've been MIA because of work or travel for the month of October and I've really missed it.

Nov 5, 2012 - Today I'm grateful for cuddle time with Cord! Its a great way to start out the day.

Nov 5, 2012 - My doctor just told me I was a little "under-tall". All this time I thought I needed to loose weight, turns out I just need to grow taller!

Nov 7, 2012 - Just thankful its over! So happy to see regular commercials again! Anyone want to move to Colorado? :D

Nov 8, 2012 - Grateful for the roses my husband grows for me in the backyard

Nov 8, 2012 - Today I'm thankful that Brianna has seminary at 6 am because it gets me to work on time and on the road when its not to busy. (Other days I'm not so thankful for this though)

Nov 9, 2012 - Today I'm grateful for the beautiful people that surround me. My family and friends who are there to support me and influence my kids for good. I am touched by the service they provide to me.

Nov 10, 2012 - I'm grateful for warm quilts, hot chocolate, a fire place that produces heat, my autumn scented Yankee Candles, and the chance to chat with Mason this morning because we are the only ones awake!

Nov 11, 2012 - Happy Birthday to my beautiful Brianna McKelleb! I'm so grateful you came into our family 16 years ago.

Nov 13, 2012 - I'm grateful for my doggie, Chester who is always right beside me whether I want him there or not.
 
Nov 15, 2012 - Today I'm thankful that we have a temple so close to us!
 

Nov 22, 2012 - Over the river and through the Gorge to grandmothers house we go .....

Nov 23, 2012 - Best reason EVER to get up early on Black Friday-- breakfast with my Bestie!!! As always, had a great time!! Love ya! — with Jalyn McKelleb (From brenda's post)

Nov 28, 2012 - Irish Tenors with Jalyn McKelleb — at The Smith Center. (michael's post)

Dec 3, 2012 - At Forgotten Carols tonight with Chelsea and Jen.

Dec 9, 2012 - A much needed weekend getaway — with Michael McKelleb at Arizona Biltmore Resort.

Dec 19, 2012 - We waited in line for over 2 hours for this visit with Santa. Crazy. But Cord did really well and we bonded with everyone in line with us, including this pitbull who also waited to ask Santa for a new bone.

Dec 21, 2012 - I'm not going to lie, I'm really glad I don't have to drive to LVA for the next 2 weeks.

Dec 24, 2012 - This is how we roll.... We all stuffed ourselves at the Feast buffet. Now waddling out to the car.

Dec 25, 2012 - Had a beautiful morning with the family! Now the girls and I get to sneak off and see Les Miserables! Oh yeah!

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Happy Birthday Mason (and Rhylan)

 
Mason shares his birthday with his cousin, Rhylan.  Today Mason turned 14 and Rhylan turned 9.  We all met in St. George to celebrate.  We had a cousin bowling party!!.  Rhylan won his group, Mason came in 2nd but was just 3 points behind.
 



 
 
Then we met at Amber's for dinner, cake, and family game time.  Happy Birthday boys!!



 
 


 
 

Friday, December 28, 2012

Decor for the Holidays

As the holidays are coming to a close, I wanted to document the fun decorations we had this season before I get ready to clean them all up.
 
 
This is the house Cord made in Kindergarten.


I love getting holiday cards and hearing from friends and family.


Mike did a lot of lights outside which was awesome!




We traveled to St. George to spend a couple of days with the family.  I also love how my dad still puts lights up on their house. 


Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas

After all of the preparation, Christmas is finally here!  Last night we took the kids to eat at the Sunset Feast Buffet.  We like the buffet because everyone can get what they want. 

 
 
 
Then we drive around to look at lights.  At home we open our Christmas jamies and watch a movie while tracking Santa on Norad.com.  When he gets to the mid-west we know it's time for bed.  The kids get the plate of cookies and carrots ready and then go to bed with dreams of sugar plums.




Chelsea was up at 3 AM but stayed in her room until everyone else was up by 8.  Before going downstairs I asked Cord if he heard anything last night.  His eyes got very wide and he said, "YES, I heard Santa say Ho, Ho, Ho and then I saw him come down the chimney".  WOW, and I missed all of that, bummer.

 
The first gift of Christmas was a song Chelsea had been working on for her daddy "What Child is this" (his favorite Christmas song).  Then the chaos begins.


 





It's all over so fast and I always manage to forget something.  I forgot we bought t-shirts for the girls when we went to Big Bear California.  Brianna reminded me and then I found them later.


Cord got his dinos, a leapPad2, his Star Wars wii game, and a new DS plus fun games and puzzles.


Chelsea got herself a new computer, clothes, books, and speakers for her iphone.



Brianna got several essential oils that she was hoping for, sweaters, books, make-up, and one-direction stuff (including this life-size Nail from her friend Clair).  Nail arrived Christmas Eve on our doorstep.  While Brianna was talking with Clair, Cord came up to me and whispered, "Mom, there's a boy at the door........ A pretend boy......... He's really pretty!".  :D


Mason was thrilled to get his ipod, Skylanders game with several figures, hex bugs, origami sets, and clothes (ok, maybe not so "thrilled" with the clothes).

Dad's new Christmas outfit: new helmet, jersey, and socks which were perfect for his Christmas day ride while the girls and I went to see the movie Les Miserables.  The boys were perfectly content to hang around in their PJ's all day playing with all their new toys.  The family also got a trampoline that Daddy gets to figure out how to set up. 
 
Mike surprised me with a new hope chest.  He had built one for me when we were dating but with all the moves, it fell apart.  It didn't make it to this house.  This is a really nice cedar chest with a bench seat that we can put in front of the bed.  I also love my big wall clock, collection of Victoria Secret lotions, and enough charms to finish my bracelet.
 
 
Mike took the kids and let them pick out charms to represent them for my pandora bracelet.  I love it and what they represent.
 

We had a great Christmas together as a family.  It was a very relaxed and laid-back day.  I'm really glad it's all over though because the holiday season really a stressful time for me getting everything ready.