2 Years Ago...

It has been two years since we started this blog. We think it has been the best journal/scrapbook we've done in years. It has been so fun to look back at all that has happened in the past 2 years. Much has changed and a lot of growing up has happened. Two years ago:

* We only had 4 kids
* We were in the planning stages of our new house
* Only 2 kids were in school
* Trent was 2nd counselor in the Bishopric (I miss those days)
* I taught swim lessons part time at the YMCA
* ....and much more, that I can't remember

We hope you have appreciated these updates as much as we have. We wish everyone a Fabulous new year that approaches. 2009 will be full of all kinds of events...birthdays, mile stones, vacations, new primary classes, Ammon will start nursery (Sept-but whose counting), pioneer treking, date nights, many colds and fevers, visits from tooth fairy, school programs, soccer games, basketball games, swim lessons?, piano lessons?, hurricane season, droughts, baptism, new neices/nephews...and so much more. We hope you will cherish these moments as much as we do. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Trevor's New Ride

This one is for you Trevor. I wanted to post the newest wheels in the Palmer family. I'm thinking this means many trips snowboarding and to the lake. Wish we lived closer. Good thing for cheaper gas, right?

So does this mean you're getting your own place? (rhetorical question) ;o) Love you.

Christmas Eve

This year I finally got myself a bit more organized in the Christmas Eve Tradition. Growing up, my family always did the reenactment of the Nativity. But being apart of a very large family, their was always a person for every part, props were more accessible...no more excuses. I made due with what we had and we had a great time. We were able to remember our Saviors birth by putting ourselves in the shoes of those humble servants of the Lord that made this event possible. Rian and Jarom were Mary and Joseph while Raegan was an angel and a wise man with Tarin and mom. Dad and Ammon were the shepherds...and Missy, I'm going to get you...I didn't get a pic of our Inn keeper. But we had a great evening with family and celebration.

Our live Nativity.

Ri and Jay are Mary and Joseph...no Ammon wasn't baby Jesus! ;o)

Opened up new PJ's for bedtime. Not everyone is happy in group pictures...the more in the pic, the less likely you'll have everyone smiling.

Opened up new ornaments to put on the tree. I was thinking 5X ?years...that is a lot more ornaments to add.

Ammon's First Christmas.

Leaving a note for Santa, with cookies and carrots.

Christmas Day

Well, we had all the kids sleep together in one room. They were so wired, so we told them that they better not come out of the room before 6:30am! So of course at 6:30, we had several come wake us up. Well, we opened up their Santa gifts first, then had a great pancake breakfast, then opened up the rest of the gifts from mom and dad and family.

Ammon was the first to open his Santa gift...well, he had a lot of help, I'm sure next year he will have all confidence to do it alone!

Tarin's Santa gift was a digital camera...yeah, now I can have my camera all to myself. It has games and a simple photo shop to it. Let's just say there was a lot of flashing going on afterwards.

Here is one of Tarin's masterpieces.

Rian and Jarom had gotten the Nintendo DS they've been wanting for so long. I think dad and mom are having fun too.

Raegan had gotten a Bratz remote control car. She wasn't to specific on things she really wanted, so Santa had to kind of guess...this car was a bit bigger then anticipated.

I was touched by the reframing job that Trent had done for me. This is a drawing I had done in High School and received a blue ribbon for, but over the years, the old frame had broken and was left in storage...Thank you honey...my big gift to Trent is on back order...a really nice book he wanted.

A big thank you to both Gma's and Gpa's. We love the toys and framed picture work. It was a wonderful day to celebrate with everyone. We love you all and thank you for your love and support.

A Whole Lot To Love!

If only I could catch all of the excitement on video. This little guy absolutely relishes every second of bath time, including the few seconds before when he hears the water turn on! The best part is seeing all of the rolls. This pic doesn't do justice to the real deal! He is so soft and squishy! Tomorrow I will find out how much this loveable chunk will weigh in at. Missy has a pretty good idea how much he weighs, after he jumped up and down on her lap making her arms burn.

"Santa Wrote Back!"

The kids were so excited, first of all to receive a letter in the mail, but second of all from Santa! I think my two oldest get the idea, but the two younger ones are still not sure. (The post office does an excellent job).

Yep, we were outside in shorts and all...this weather is not helping our sick kiddos. A week or so ago it's in the 20's for lows and 40's for highs...recently it's been in the upper 50's for lows and low 70's for the high. I did break down and brought out a few shorts.

School Holiday Party

This was one day I was almost glad one was home sick (Trent came home for a bit so I could go). With 4 kids in Elem. School, that also means 4 "parties" to go to. So with one home, it meant one less party to attend. From 1pm-2ish, I skipped around to 3 holiday celebrations. With a kindergardner, that meant singing and crafts, so I did remember pics on this stop. (This was Thurs. before Tarin's pink eye)


Here is Tarin in her cute Reindeer costume. I still can't believe how grown up she is getting. She is obviously the one who keeps me smiling and laughing. She is the goofy one...

This is her class singing to the parents.

Puppy Dog Eyes

I thought I would spare the reader any illustrations. Lately a slight fever and miserable runny nose hit the household, keeping a little one home from school. She was very sad to miss her last few days of school, especially the holiday party. Of all the kids, this miserable sickness hit the one that actually wants to go to school each and everyday. She is so sad when the weekend comes... Anyway, to top it off, I thought I saw her watery eyes turn a little red and goopy, so I got out the leftover antibiotic, and started her on it. No problem...well in a family of more than one, things tend to spread. Raegan is an "in your face" passionate sweety, so she's been all over her baby brother, leading to the result of crusted over eyes this morning. The poor boy had it kind of bad which obviously, not doubt has spread to the other eye. Everytime he looked at me, I felt so sad for him. He wasn't acting differently, still as busy as ever, but he has those sweet, big, blue eyes that were just calling to me.

Well, I called a new perscription in, since I was starting to run out. Both of them, by days end, are looking tons better. But to no end, Tarin is showing signs of tired, red eyes...good thing my ammo was good and ready. I might need to stock up on more clorox wipes, but lets hope this is the end of the epidemic.

Tired Girl!

Poor little Rae, she was worn out today. I couldn't find her all over the house, until I noticed a small snoring sound coming from my bed. She was so sweet!

FHE With Gpa

Gpa Wardwell came to town on business, and put on a fun FHE for the kids. He read a great story, and then brought a fun activity. We had to shoot the animals, and get points...it was harder then it looks. Obviously the little ones were able to move a bit closer then others.

Those poor, poor animals! (That's okay, because I missed them completely on my turn, I guess that one time at a shooting range didn't do any good)

Tarin actually did the best! Okay, Troy did win by one point, but a 5 year old came real close!

Jarom wanted to work on his aim.

Kristin wanted to go over the black line!!! ;o)

Here is the money shot. Go Troy! Competition runs deep in this family. Unfortunately, Trent (daddy) was fulfilling some HTing and didn't give his little bro. Troy real competition.

Letters To Santa

Finally got around to letters. I'm so glad they still have simple ideas...but I think this may be the last year. Santa isn't a huge subject in our house. I've kind of gotten away from the big concept of Santa, and focused more towarded the concept of giving...we drew names for the first time in our family history, and they were so excited to use their own money to get each other things. The kids have been helping me make goodies for others and love to give them away. Seeing gifts under the tree already, they already know that Gma's and Gpa's and also mom and dad want to give them gifts. We never really come out and say there isn't a Santa, but more along the lines of fading him out. Our Savior is the real reason for Christmas, and I want them to know that quantity of gifts shouldn't be an issue in our house. It's the conept of giving, and serving each other just as our Lord, Redeemer showed us how.

Goodie Gals

Here are my little sweeties. Whatever is going on in the kitchen, they are always there to ask what they can do to help. So this time of year is, of course, becoming their favorite.




Don't you just love the humor from my kiddos! Raegan puts on a "mad face" only for drama and she loves to say opposite of what I expect to hear. Don't worry, one is going into their lunches. ;o)

He's Almost Got It

Ammon is our big boy! He's taking a bit longer then the others to crawl...I'm okay with that! But he's showing the sure signs of real mobility! Uh-Oh, I know he's going to be all over when he finally figures it out! (He's 8 1/2 mo. old)

'Tis The Season

Okay, I'm a bit behind in my updates, but I'm finally getting to it... you'll see how busy it's been!



The tree is up! But let's just say that I'm definitely looking for a prelit during the "after Christmas" sales! I think I'm losing my steam in the excitement...I guess 5 kids will do that.

However, the kids are still excited as much as ever.

I just love pulling out the ornaments from over the years and seeing all the homemade, special touches.

Gma and Gpa Come To Town!

I have to take a moment and Thank Randy and Stacey for coming out and spending time with all of us. They both worked really hard to make everything perfect and wonderful! I know we are really blessed to have such special family all around us, even if Gma and Gpa are far away. But that never stops them from keeping in contact and making sure we all feel loved. We love and appreicate the both of you.

Hanging out with Gma and Troy and Kristin.

A few of the wonderful men in my life.

Gma was busy making everything just right. She worked her tail off making dinner, and prep work for gingerbread houses. She's super Gma for sure!

Altogether we decorated in our own special way. Tubby, I think the kids liked yours best!

Yeah, the table had a few extra leaves in it...the more merrier!

In case I didn't mention, Gpa was also hard at work with clean up. He's just as super as Gma. Thank you Gpa!

Black Friday Fun W/O The Shopping

For the day after Thanksgiving, we decided to spend the day as a family. We took the kids swimming at the YMCA and then to see Igor at the dollar movie. Finally, we went to Chuck E Cheese for dinner.


Jarom as usual threw down around 5 slices of pizza, while the girls were to excited to eat much.








This is a tradition with Trent and I. The Flamin Finger. It's kind of fun, but can drain the tokens quick. He usually gets it, but decided to save the tokens for the kids.


Trent loved playing and helping the kids be a kid.







Is this not the only way for little ones to be involved?! ;o)



Well, because the Flamin Figure was a bust, the tickets were a bit low this time. Oh well, they still loved the time.

Thanksgiving

For thanksgiving we went up to Dawsonville, northern Ga, to visit the Mulberrys. Steve and Shelley had rented a giant blow up slide that kept the kids very busy and happy. Smart idea!

Here, "Uncle" Ron, played King of the Hill with all of the kids. He's in great shape, because he was out there a long time. The kids love it!

Of course Thanksgiving isn't complete w/o some football and relaxing.

Rian really loved the girl bonding. Wish we lived closer.