Zane's new hat

I got this hat for Zane awhile ago, however, he never wanted to wear it. He found it in his closet and has not taken it off. I love it because it reminds me of my Grandpa Napier.

He even had to put it on after he got ready for bed.

Jason

20 years ago, my oldest brother Jason was killed in a car accident the day after Christmas.

It was a day that my world changed forever. The things that I learned on that day seemed so real and scary to me. Ever thing in my world was upside down. All I knew was that Jason was gone and Christmas would never be the same.

As the years went by I learned more and more each year. As a became strong in the Church, I learned that I would be with Jason again and that he was part of my everyday life.

After becoming mother I learned that my mother is AMAZING. My mom became a rock when Jason died. Along with dealing with her own grief she was helping everyone else deal with their grief also. She was the one who got our family through that time. I hope and pray that I never know her pain and the strength that she has.

This year while I was sitting in primary and watching the leaders re-enacted the birth of Christ, the spirit touch my heart and enlightened my mind. As I sat and watched this little baby, my tears just started to run. What a great time for Jason to pass, the day after the birth of Christ. Because of Christ and his life, we have eternal life. To celebrate Christ and be reminded of his great sacrifice at the same time remembering Jason. What a wonderful thing.

I am very blessed to have Jason watching over me and my family. He is there. At many times in my life I have felt as if, if I look over my shoulder I would be able to see him standing there. I will see him again, he will be there waiting for me when I cross through veil on the right hand of my brother Jesus.

Jason, I love you and thank you for watching over me and my babies.

A little late...

posting about Christmas, however, things were a little crazy around here. And I am now just feeling like things are getting back into a grove.

On Christmas Eve, we headed up to the cabin. We were blessed to be able to spend Christmas with both sets of grandparents. The kids tracted Santa on computer with Dad and then Grandma Tracee read them The Night Before Christmas.

To no surprise, we had a hard time getting Emilee and Garrit to bed. We finally got them to sleep around 10 pm and Junior and I got to bed about 12. At 2 a.m. Garrit woke up to see that Santa had already stopped by. I thought I had convinced him to go back to bed, however, he went back to his room and got Emilee. Junior finally got them back in bed at 3. They only held out until 6:30.

I tried to get a picture of all 3 of my kids in front of the tree, however, a lesson I have learned taking pictures of my crew is you get what get and you don't throw a fit.

Christmas was great. This year we only got the kids a few small gifts, that combined with the gifts that grandmas gave them it turned out perfect. Emilee got webkins, Garrit got legos, (Thanks Grandpa for helping put them together.) and Zane got a Handy Manny tool kit.

This Christmas I did not focus on what to get my kids, husband, or parents. Instead I focused on one thing that they would really love. Christmas this year was not about putting things under the tree just to open. It took a lot of stress off me and really let the spirit of Christmas into my heart. Emilee told me later that day "Mom, this is the best Christmas ever." I learned that my kids don't need a bunch of toys for Christmas they just need to know that Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Christ and because of him we are blessed.

My three angels.

Emilee Rene

Jason Garrit

Zane Ray

I am very blessed to have 3 wonderful, healthy, beautiful children. I feel blessed that the Lord has chosen me to take his children under my wing and allowed me to care for the them and love them. Being a mother I truly understand unconditional love. It also gives me a glimpse of how much my Heavenly Father loves me.

Snow princess.

Today we are finally getting some snow. The kids all headed out to play. Emilee is so beautiful. I love taking pictures of her.

Never, Never...

Let a monkey in the kitchen.

I was making pumpkin rolls today. When I make pumpkin rolls it is a process. I set out all my ingredients on the counter. Well, today I left the kitchen for 3 minutes. I came back to find that Zane had decided to help me make the pumpkin rolls.

The funny thing is, that he added a verity of ingredients; salt, sugar, and cinnamon.

Who could be mad at a face like that.

December 8, 1995...

13 years ago Junior and I had our first date. Junior asked me to the Christmas dance with a bag of M & M's and of course, I can never turn down chocolate.

We went as friends, however, at the dance Junior pulled me close to dance and the rest in history.

Junior and I were good friends before we went to the dance, the only thing that changed is that we became best friends. We have a strong marriage today because of our friendship. No matter how mad we get or obstacles we face, we are still friends and are able to laugh about it.

Who would have ever thought that smart, quiet Symen, and crazy, outgoing Jenny would ever end up together.

I guess we just "believe in the magic".

Go ahead and laugh, Junior and I are very aware of the fact that we were (and still are) both dorks. Click on the picture to get the full affect of the dorkness.