Top 10 Reasons NOT to see "Marley and Me"

So, the kids and I went to see "Marley and Me" while Robert was out of town. That night we sneaked him in the house to give him lots of love, and (during the full body massage) I found a mass on his hind leg. The next day we took him to the vet and aspirated the mass for testing. It came back as cancer. We took the mass out and now he's wearing a lamp shade on his head and we're hoping we got it all.

We've been through alot with this "damn dog" and he is most definately our favorite four legged friend!

So... here's our "Top Ten Reasons NOT to see Marley and Me"

1. Your dog sleeps in the house for the night

2. SO... your laundry room smells bad

3. then... your clothes start to stink

4. Then... in comes the dog food and the stinky dog water dish

5. then...you have to give your dog a full body massage

6. so during the massage you find a big mass on your dog's leg

7. you end up racking up a big vet bill

8. You remember all of the times this dog has been there for you when people haven't

9. You take your husband to see the movie and he cries so hard the people in the next room can hear him... OVER the sounds of "The Terminator"

10. Your heart hurts really bad when you realize how much you love the "damn dog".

Jake and one of his dread lock hats! He asked me to make him a Riverton one, too, to wear at wrestling matches and basketball games! The kids had a fun Christmas just doing little things here and there. We had a really nice Christmas Eve where we focused on Christ and the reason for the season of Christmas. They each got a book that was a very special part of the day. We had a good holiday and each one of the kids was so excited about doing things for others and the gifts each other received.

Here's Robert with his clay pigeon launcher right before he "tested" it out. Not knowing that there was an Allen wrench on the arm of it... Robert cocked the thing and found out it works really well. He launched that Allen wrench across the room and into my hutch. After that, I made him play with his toys outside!!! (I can't say much, I gave the dang thing to him!)

Oh well, at least we know it works!

Hallie and her "baby sister"!

OK, so Hazen wasn't loving dressing up as a shepard, but Kyler loved it! He was so cute and walked around showing his sheep to everyone! It was awesome!

It's January!

OK, It's January 15th and I'm just now getting my Christmas pictures up! We had a great year!

We had an early party with Robert's kids on Sunday. Kyler was so cute as a shepard. Hazen wasn't loving his outfit and Hallie didn't want to either! We still listened as Robert told the Christmas story.

I made scarves for the girls and we filled up their freezers with meat. We decided that we have been so blessed, that it's time to focus on other things besides expensive gifts.

My kids got a gift from Santa and then I made them "dread lock" hats! The are super cute and the kids are anxious to wear them snowboarding. One of Jake's friends said the hats were "tight". I guessed that was good!

The best part of Christmas was just being together. It was a pretty low key holiday and it was just perfect that way!

Annual Christmas Poem 2008!

The annual Christmas poem is here,

Kind of a little mix of old and new;

For it's not in your cards, (too tough on the trees!),

But here anyway just for you.

This year has brought us alot of learning,

And experience we'll never, ever trade;

We're so blessed to have all that we have, you could say...

We've really got it made!

Kendall and Kallie are busy with the boys,

Still just two...and hunting everything in sight.

Tana and Jake are making plans for a new home;

It will all be just perfect... just right!

Craig and Kurt are doing great right now,

We keep them always in our prayers and thoughts;

The grandkids are growing and are perfect!

We brag about them lots and lots!

Jessica is taking some time off from school;

Trying to decide what she'll be some day;

She's such a beautiful, wonderful, awesome young girl,

We just pray nothing gets in her way.

Kayci is working and keeping up with phone calls,

She keeps us chuckling inside every day;

Jake Man is wrestling, he pins them and calls it good;

It's such a tough sport, I'm so glad it's just "play"!

Robert and I find as much time as we can,

To be together... alone is the best!

But with all these kids and a new Harley.. well, you know the drill,

We go to work just to get some rest!

My heart is still at "home" in Africa,

My life has been forever changed,

May we all show a little more kindness,

Especially to those who cross our path every day.

The Atonement of Christ is very real to me now

The very reason we all celebrate Him;

May His light shine brightly in each one of you,

And never, ever grow dim.

Merry Christmas!

With love,

Robert, Codi and family!

Thanks to my good friends Tarali and Sandy for lots of these great pictures. You guys are awesome!