A New Year, with New Resolutions!!!

I'm so grateful for the New Year. A chance to start fresh and to set goals to becoming a better person, perfecting our family life, and just taking the chance to always improve, making the new year better than the last one. I'll admit, this past year had it's ups and downs. But I'm always excited for this time of year to reflect on my blessings and to look forward to the future. I usually set a few goals each year but never usually write them down. This year I've decided to post a few, though not all for some are very personal...as they should be.
~I really want to do better at holding regular FHE. My children are so smart and I want to take advantage of this time to really enrich their knowledge of the gospel and the importance of Christ and His gospel in our lives, as well as use this time to really spend some good quality time together as a family.
~Organize, Organize, Organize!!! Enough said.
~ Work harder on having and using our yearly food storage. My parents are always so great to give us cool gadgets or unique and important things to have in our storage. Now I just need to get it all together and make sure we're completely prepared with what we need. I can't imaging coming upon some sort of disaster where my children would suffer because of my inadequate planning and procrastination. And, like I said, get it organized!
Well that should be a good enough start for now. Along with others I'm working on. I feel making resolutions is a great way for us to see how we can improve our lives. I know this new year is going to be great, 'cause we're going to make it AMAZING!!!!

Christmas Day 2011

Wahooo!!! We couldn't believe Christmas had finally come! We had been anxiously waiting this year and couldn't wait to see what Santa would bring. Austin took the girls out into the yard Christmas Eve and let them sprinkle reindeer dust on the grass. The dust was made of glitter so that Santa wouldn't miss our house, and oats for the deer to eat. Oops! I mean, for the reidneer to eat:o)

The bounty of gifts Santa left this year!

Chanel loved the new feeding/crying babydoll and buggie she recieved. The baby would drink her bottle but as soon as you took out the bottle, the baby would cry. Chanel's reaction was always first, a suprised face, then a sad face, saying "Ooohh, baby sad!" She has such good motherly instincts already and love to feed and snuggle her baby.

The girls and their goodies!!!

Poor Bug, she wasn't feeling so well on Christmas. When she saw her huge lion she said, without ANY enthusiasm, "Wow, that's a big lion" then went and laid on it for a while until she had more energy to open other presents.

We went to church where I participated in a musical number then we drove to Nephi to see the Brough family gang. I did take my camera but for some reason didn't get it out for a single picture...what!? I guess it was just that crazy/busy.


Elena's never been one for fancy dress-up unless it's an animal costume but Chanel has loved the Tinker Bell dress-up chest Santa brought. She even falls asleep in her costumes:o) Elena has even enjoyed dressing up as a fairy to play with C. They've been so cute together!

Austin bought me a Kindle Fire for Christmas and I have LOVED it!!! Sadly, Austins Christmas was quite mediocre this year. I just bought him a few things he needed and a DVD or two. What?! We had decided not to give major gifts to each other this year- Next year, Gust...next year you're really going to get it!!!

Daley Christmas Party 2011

We're always so excited for the Daley Christmas party, and especially this year since EVERYONE was going to be there. We spent the entire day together, eating, crafting, partying, eating, giving, going crazy, oh did I mention we ate really good food? My parents always now how to serve the best holiday comfort food. This year my dad made his special carmel potatoes and pickled cabbage. It's a traditional Danish dish from when he served his mission. I love it so much , Aus and I served it for our wedding dinner. I didn't get pictures cause I was too busy eating! When it was finally time to open presents, the kids about went crazy trying to wait patiently.

Rusty, Dallen, and Charity. Elena and Randy in the back, and only half of Ruger's face. Sorry dude...

Dad, Aus, Myself, and the newly engaged Andrea and Daric.

Natalie & Seth, Josh & Jess, and all the grandkids, minus Chanel since she was sleeping, and half of Dallen's face, ahem...Sorry dude.

Mom, Des, and Ryan

Elena and her jewelery making kit. Chanel had FINALLY fallen asleep for a nap so she wasn't present to open presents but she got a baby doll that she LOVED!



I love it when we all can get together. It really doesn't happen that often but it's always crazy and wonderful when it does.

Elena's Christmas Program

Elena's Kindergarten class put on a Christmas program. It was so cute because they had practiced several songs and each class member had a part to memorize. They each told a Christmas joke. The kids were so funny telling and responding to the jokes each other would tell.

Elena's joke was "How do you get into Rudolph's house? You ring the "deer" bell!"

It was so funny and she did so well in front of everyone. Good job bug!

Austin left work for an hour to come to the program. Elena was so happy he was there. Nona, Boompa, and Uncle Fred were there, too!

Chanel couldn't wait to try on Elena's reindeer antlers. Just like big sis!

A Night for Christ

The singing group I participate in gave a Christmas concert called "A Night for Christ." It was so fun to perform the songs we had been working on. It was a great night, although I kept giving everyone pep talks about not being nervous but then on camera I looked like I was scared to death! Haha, oh well, it was still a great experience! I love singing in this group and I'm so grateful for the friendships I've made...love you ladies!!!