Week 51 | Project Life

It's hard to believe that 2011 is almost over! This was my second round at project life and I am thankful that I have been able to capture precious memories especially the ones while our children are so young. This week was important to our faith and our family. On Sunday, Hank and I stood up before our church and family members to say that we dedicate our children to God and that we are up for the task of raising them to love and honor Christ. No little task by the way! It was also the week before Christmas when I worked a little overtime and still need to start shopping for Christmas. One night during this week was also dedicated to celebrating cousin Laila's third birthday at Peter Piper Pizza.

Our church hosted a "Christmas under the Stars" night at a local park. It was quite cold out, but the hot chocolate and glazed donuts made up for it. Landon even roasted a marshmellow or two.

On Christmas Eve, Hank's side of the family came over to celebrate. We exchanged gifts, ate chili, watched the kids take turns on playing the new drum set, and watched National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

Santa Baby

Ryland wasn't too fond of Santa this year. He kept moving Santa's hand off of him but didn't say a word. It was quite humorous to watch. Taylor and Landon weren't shy though. They told Santa that they were good kids but that Ryland was a bad boy. Ha! They make me laugh.

Merry Christmas | 2011

Week 50 | Project Life

Since the week started off on a Sunday, I asked Carol to give me some of the photos from their picnic and trip up to Anthem to take the train ride and play. There were some great photos that I printed and enjoyed adding to Week 50's layout.

The rest of the week consisted of insane busyness. Besides working 20+ hours, Taylor and I took a couple of hours together to make her message in a bottle birthday invitations for her upcoming all girls "Ariel" birthday party. That was quite fun! Taylor and Landon also had their Christmas School Program on Friday night and sang 6 songs from memory...most in English but some in Spanish. Then on Saturday night we had a cookie decorating party for the kids with some really great couples Hank and I know from college. It's been a busy, stressful yet fun week for us.

It's hard to believe there are only two weeks left for Project Life. This is the second year that I have completed this project. I love it as much now as I did the very first day I started. I'm thankful to have something meaningful to pass down to my children and hope they will treasure these albums as much as I do. It's amazing to see how much the kids change from week to week let alone month to month.

Week 49 | Project Life

This week consisted of some memorable events. Grandpa Joe celebrated his 81st birthday, I finally received the table I had been waiting months for, and I was marketing to the school that I went to as a very little girl in Phoenix. Walking around the campus brought back so many memories...like the one where I wore my flower girl dress to school and married Ben on the playground. Funny...the things we do and can remember!

This week also consisted of Wyld Life Camp up in Williams, Arizona at Lost Canyon. Hank's parents watched the kids so that Hank could have a weekend off while I took serveral junior highers up north. Such a great experience and true blessing to pour my life into junior high kids who are trying to figure out life and themselves. While I was gone, Hank put up the dreaded Christmas lights. It literally took him most of the day. But the kids sure love them and make the task worth it!

Week 48 | Project Life

We drove home Sunday from Albuquerque and came home to loads and loads of laundry that needed to be done. On top of that, Taylor was insistent that we get our tree up as promised. This year, Taylor and Landon decorated the tree almost entirely by themselves. Hank put the star on the top of the tree and I put the garland on but all of the ornaments were done by the older two. After smashing three glass bulbs, Ryland finally learned not to do that anymore.

This page included photos from our last Wyld Life Club of the year. The theme was Christmas Club so it was fun to dress up and act silly....like always. I also included the photo with Santa that I picked up from Sears as well as our Christmas card. Finally, on Saturday night we had a family movie and hot chocolate which the kids absolutely loved drinking hot chocolate from their sippy cups. This is my favorite time of year even though it stresses me out a bit.

Week 47 | Project Life

Week 47 is all about Colorado. On Sunday, we arrived at Uncle Tim and Aunt Vickey's home where we stayed for three nights and explored much of Denver. My kids fell in love with their dog Sydney. In fact, they would have allowed us to take her home with us. Somehow, I wimped out on the offer. While in Denver, we visited with lots of family.

Our first full day in Denver...we bundled up and headed to explore downtown Denver and the Children's Museum.

Children's Museum of Denver

Children's Museum of Denver

Afternoon at Grandpa Vern and Grandma Ivella's house.

Park near Grandpa Vern and Grandma Ivella's house.

First day up in Fairplay, Colorado. The cabin was huge and could sleep over 30 people easily. This was where we spent the second half of our week. The kids absolutely loved the cabin and the snow.

Thanksgiving day was low key and filled with precious moments with family members. Aunt Vickey had craft time with all of the kids. Such a great woman she is!

More photos of Thanksgiving Day.

Hanging out and enjoying family!

Week 46 | Project Life



Week 46 was another jam-packed week...aren't they all though! Sunday afternoon I took all three kids to a birthday party at Pump It Up for a classmate, Axel, who turned 4. This was Ryland's first experience at Pump It Up and he sure loved it. I knew he would though...remember this kid has no fear. On this page, I also included the main events of the week. Packing for a family of five was my least favorite.

I stored all of the kids Thanksgiving art projects inside this giant envelope. It will be great to look back in 10 years and see what the kids made when they were little.

The rest of the week included puzzle time with Taylor, photos with Santa at Grandma's work, Wyld Life Turkey Bowling Club, more packing and cleaning, and the long trek to Denver.

NEW 52 | Children's Museum of Denver

On our first real day of vacation in beautiful Colorado, we visited the Children's Museum of Denver. It was similar to the one we have here, but different enough to make it a totally different experience. They had a room where the kids could stand on a platform with walls of bubbles all around them. They also had a veterinarian clinic that was so cool and hands on. I took way too many photos and will have a hard time choosing my favorites. At the end of our visit, all three kids played in the market and did their grocery shopping for almost an hour. I told Grandpa Don he needs to figure out how to build a market quick! Anything to keep them happy and busy is good.

Thanksgiving 2011 | Fairplay, Colorado

We travelled for a total of four days to Denver and then back home. And the time with family up in the beautiful snow-capped mountains in Colorado were completely worth the drive. We spent time with aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and my in-laws. We were able to relax as much as you can with three little ones running around con.stant.ly....They were so excited to see and taste fresh snow. We will forever cherish the memories we made on this trip. Scrapbooking our time away will be so fun!

Week 45 | Project Life

Week 45 was a little bit calmer of a week. It started off with a church potluck after Sunday service. It was great to be with friends and enjoy the yummy creations that everyone contributed. Taylor sat with Addie, her buddy. I also included a photo of the cell phone that Hank and I upgraded to. It's more of a toy than anything!

The photos from this page include a photo of my current projects: scrapbooking. Finally, I am all caught up again. I also include photos of our time over at our friends house for dinner, me reading a nighttime story to the kids, craft time and a photo of Taylor practicing her hip hop. She danced for three hours this day. It's sound crazy but we have make-up classes to cram in and Taylor loves every minute that she is at the dance studio.

School Portraits 2011

Week 44 | Project Life

{WEEK 44}

Halloween night was extra special this year because my aunt Monica who lives in Canada came down for a visit and went trick or treating with us. My aunt said this night was one of her favorite memories of her vacation down here. I love that she gets to see my children and that they get to see some of my long-distance family.

This page includes a team photo of our Wyld Life leaders all dressed up for Costume Party Club last Friday night. It also includes photos from our "ALL IN" area fundraising banquet. Young Life is such an awesome organization, and we are blessed to be a part of it! I also included Taylor's latest artwork. She spends hours a day drawing and is really good at it. She makes better stick figures that me!

Family Photos {Fall 2011}

Week 43 | Project Life

{WEDNESDAY} The kids had their annual Halloween party at school. I was the homeroom chairperson to organize the party which meant that I was able to be with all three kids and take photos at their party. This year, they combined the toddler and preschool class for the party so Ryland was in on the fun too!

{THURSDAY} Pumpkin patch artwork from Gymboree

{THURSDAY} Photos of the kids at their Halloween party at their Gymboree class.

{SATURDAY} Photos from the family fun day at Hank's work.

{FRIDAY + SATURDAY} I was able to visit with my Aunt Monica for a couple of hours while the kids played at The Play Factory on Friday. And then on Saturday evening, we headed to Harvest Daze, an annual fall festival put on by our HOA. I added a few photos of the kids decorating the pumpkin with Mr. Potato Head pieces.