Out Of Debt

Over the years, we'd jump out of debt, but would soon enough be right back in it.  I love listening to Dave Ramsey, and really wanted to try his class together as a couple.  We signed up in January for the 9 week course.  Its AWESOME!  I just hope we can stay strong and keep going.  We aren't in massive debt, but just haven't been able to keep consistent, so this has been great.

Today, we were doing the "cut up the credit card" event.  We literally cut up all the plastic, because we were officially out of credit card debt.  House is all we stand for with debt.  It's nice.  But we are strapped down tight in not letting ourselves spend out of our limit.  We've stopped the "bleeding" and it's hard to stick to cash only.  Each time I go to the bank to withdrawal cash, it's kind of embarrassing, but it's kind of invigorating to know we are taking charge of our money.  I just long to have a hefty saving and no worries for retirement.  One day... One day...

Part of the program also is about teaching your kids about money.  I just had to show this little guys enthusiasm to do extra chores to earn money.  I get clean showers (when I least expect it) and they all  get to learn how to earn money.  Win win in my book.

Basket Ball Injury

Jarom is playing basketball again this fall.  Trent is his coach again, and as always, does a great job with the boys and teaching, and getting them all involved.  Part of playing also comes with injuries.  Jarom had jammed his finger pretty good during one particular game.  He stuck it out the entire game, but came home with a swelled up finger with some lovely shades of purple.   Had to wrap the fingers to help it heal.  He found this was hard to do it playing a brass instrument, but it worked out.

100 Days of School

For the 100th day of school, Ammon decided to do pennies.  This kid is obsessed with money, so perfect selection.  He loved counting over and over to make sure he had enough.

Skate Party

 Perk to having kids with braces, the orthodontist puts on parties now and then.  Last year was great, so we went again this year.  

Ammon loves using his roller blades!

Waiting in line for the next round to hit the bouncy section of the facility.  They loved it all.

Ready, Set, Go!

HorseBack Lessons

 Raegan's Christmas present was to try horseback riding lessons.  She's always talked about how much she dreams about doing it and how she loves horses.  We found a great place nearby and gave it a try.

She is in HEAVEN!!

Her first few lessons were basic learning how to take care of the horse and how to feel the motions of the horse.  She learned how to guide the horse with shifting her weight.  It was fun watching her.  She was eating it all up!

Lisa Parks is a great instructor

Raegan's best buddy, Sabre Wall, also takes lessons there.  So they love having a class together.

Love these two!

Activity Days

Gotta love when girls get crazy and fun!

Welcome Kyson

Baby Kyson  

Congrats to Kiley and James Sommers

Oh So Cold!

Love when it does snow!!

Last Day of Christmas Break

That time of year of course!!  Trent took Rian and Tarin up to Sundance to practice the bunny hill.  Rentals were decent price and practice on the bunny hill is free.  They had a great day together.

    Tarin on the rope tow                                                                             Rian keeping it cool

They did a great job.  Trent said they both picked it up well and learned their balance nicely.  I think it was a successful day.

That night, we used our Inn and Out Burger gift cards from their stockings.  Oh so yummy!  Then we headed out to see a movie, that was a gift from my sister, Shanda for our Secret Santa gift from Christmas.  We saw Big Hero 6.  It was better then I thought it would be and funny.  We all loved it and had a great evening together.

Swimming in January

Ammon has been dying to go swimming at Lehi indoor pool.  So we took a neighbor friend, Canyon, and Averie with Tarin.

Happy New Year!

For New Years Eve/Day, we were invited over to Erin and Jason Strong's house.  We made spring rolls and brought Martinelles and games and a bunch of other snacks.

Waiting for count down, we played games, watched the neighbors shoot of fireworks and let the kids just play around.  Dinner was amazing and so delicious.  Thanks Erin!

Happy New Year!

confettie, poppers and so much more.  Here's to a great new year!

Nick And Missy Lane Sealing

A bright, crisp morning for a special event.  Let's just say it was 0 degrees when we left our house that morning to drive up to Salt Lake.  Surprisingly, lots of weddings were going on as well.  With it being New Years Eve, I guess I was a little surprised.  However, it was great to be there and see Missy and Nick Sealed to their boys, Jase and Gage.  Sealings are still a little hard for me...it's not the ordinance, but still learning about many things in my life and marriage that is hard to swallow.  I know there is joy when both people are committed in a marriage.  It's keeping that commitment alive and healthy that jarred my faith.  

I'm happy for Missy and Nick...3rd times the charm, especially when done the way the Lord has asked us.  I see the happiness in their eyes and I see the strength the gospel as brought them.  Their timeline is a testimony how the Lord can bless you if you but do all you can with committing your life to the Lord.

Bailey, Rian, Denham, Jarom and Brenin

Afterward, we were treated to lunch by Gma and Gpa Wardwell at Golden Corral...a perfect kid friendly place.

Nick, Jase, Missy and Gage

Aquarium

Two older kids were at Gma and Gpa Wardwell's for a cousin sleep over with Denham and Brenin in town.  So I took the three younger kids to the Aquarium in Draper.  None of us have never been here.  It was really nice, but realizing we are starting to move out of that kids phase of these types of things.  Ammon was ok with it and Tarin and Rae liked it too, but with them getting older it was almost 'boring' for them.  It also didn't help that a ba-gillion people had the same idea as us to come that day...so it was terribly crowded and hard to enjoy anyway.  It was fun to say we did it.

Penguins

Christmas Eve

At Gma and Gpa Wardwell's house for Christmas Eve, there was a wonderful dinner and fun games.  Here is Ammon representing our family in this age group.  

We also tried the Nativity at their house.  The Wardwell's don't usually do this, but had us head it up.  It was fun.  This is something we will do every year.  Reenacting the birth of Christ is hands on learning for kids and such a testimony of how important this event and His life, in the history of humanity is pinnacle to our Salvation.  The Wardwell's didn't do a traditional Secret Santa, but a family giving to another.  This has gone on a few years, but this year was special...in my eyes.  With allowance (now changing to commissions in January) each month, I decided that they need the opportunity to give.  Sure they pay their tithing, but a jar was set aside each pay day and they had the opportunity to give whatever their heart desired or not to give...they weren't badgered if they didn't give, it was a choice.  We told them, whatever they totaled in donations by the end of the year, we as parents would match it.  They donated up to $70+ so as a whole family, we donated I think $140-150 (can't remember the total) to the big Wardwell family donation.  This year it went to a family Trent's parents picked out in their ward.  Gma had the older grand kids ding dong ditch the gift on night.  This was a great lesson that lasted all year long.  I hope to continue it this next year.

On the Palmer side, we had Tony for secret Santa, and this is him sporting our gift saying Thank you.  Big Devils fan...

Back home, we opened PJs and our own family secret Santa gifts.  It's a lot of fun to see our kids so excited to give.  Their hearts are so big.  Merry Christmas

Sadly, I didn't take any pictures on Christmas day!!  Weird I know!  I have video...something I've been bad at, so that took priority :o)  It was a fun day.  Kids slept great altogether downstairs...we had to wake them at 7am!  Weird again!  It was a great morning.  Then we spent the day at the Wardwells again eating and spending time with cousins.

Many Sides Of Leona

This cat is rarely documented, so I thought I'd dedicate a post to our most devoted family member, who endures many ways to be held, thrown, tortured, loved and best of all... many ways of showing her love and curiosities.

loved having the tree for a quick get-away from a certain 6 yr old

butt warmer...sleeping companions

loves her mamma

Another butt shot...loves her daddy!