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I can't believe it.  

365 days

52 weeks

1 year has slipped past again!

It actually snowed for a millisecond today, which was an exciting end to 2014!

My niece, Elle,  & her boyfriend, Matthew, were here too and it was just awesome catching up with her and getting to know him.  (We never got a picture of them or us though-this is it :)

We also ended the year with a record number of house-guests, yummy food, games, and lots of noise at about 20 min. before midnight haha.  We almost made it!  I was so happy to spend such a fun, memorable night with my family.  Every one of them means so much to me.

Maffia was definitely the highlight!

"Kass, I mean maffia, Open Your Eyes..."  

What are the chances I was it every time except once?  Seriously?

These beauties are looking way too grown up!

 Brothers In Law :)

Max & Zack making some good arguments probably against me...

 Cal was a great "asset" in the game

 This boy couldn't be loved more and was still going strong at midnight!

Happy New Year from our crew of cousins!

missing Jackson who wasn't feeling the best tonight & Brynn who put herself to bed when the second game, "What if", started

I feel so lucky that I got to spend the first and last day of 2014 with these two.  Life is good & just keeps getting better!

And now a new chapter begins.  There's a long string of blank days ahead waiting to see what I will choose to fill them with.  Time to set those goals and get started!  Happy 2015!

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An Incredible End to a Blessed Year!

Going to the temple with 2 of our kids for baptisms this morning was something we will never forget!

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Fun family date shooting this afternoon.  The year literally went out with a BANG!

 Erik joined us and had a great time.  Sharp Shooters

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It was an afternoon well spent with these longtime friends, the Lawrences.  So glad they stopped by!

Friends since they were tiny-now they're teenagers!

Buds

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Gifts to Briggers are ready for his stocking and we'll open them next Christmas and see how we did.

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Our first stop the day after Christmas was Seagull Book to use the Gift Cards the kids received from Grandma and Grandpa Tomany...then it was Costco time.  I guess we are official Costco junkies.

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Christmas Day!  The Best One of the Year!

Lined up youngest to oldest

 Cal was pretty pumped!

Breezer B was thrilled with her new shoes & clothes, legos, books, & a pink Motor Scooter!

 Cade's Christmas
Bree made him a Rubedama (a mix between his 2 favorite things right now-a Kendama and a Rubik's Cube)

 The Bubble Talk Game, a tower of books, clothes, gift cards, and a foot spa were a few of Abby's favorite things!

1 pound of See's Scotchmallows, new wallet w/ $, year supply of Kleenex, & a new haircut set.

 This gift from my Mom is way more than I deserve!  A limited edition Bernina sewing machine.  Holy Cow it is amazing and I can't wait to get sewing!  A lot of time, thought,  & money, went into it.  Thanks so much!

 Merry Christmas from my scooter gang!

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Christmas Eve 2014 

Celebrating with sweet friends & neighbors

Panoramic of the House (Abby's Idea)

I think my kids really miss winter & snow.  We had snowflakes all over the house!  (Again, Abby's idea)

 Dinner (& Puzzle) Time!

 Christmas Eve isn't complete without a program.  This year we had a harmonica solo and were introduced to a catchy tune..."Donde esta Santa Claus?"

 The Nativity was wonderful

& now the moment the KIDS have been dying for all night...

Cal FINALLY gets to open a present!  Waiting for this has been  REALLY hard for him.

Super Cute New Jammies Crew

 

Moms with twinner outfits (it actually happens a lot with us :)  & these lovable daughters.

Lookin' good in the new Christmas Jammies!

Cookies & Milk for Santa.  
Rudolph seriously scored this year!

 Sweet Snuggles and then it's off to bed with loads of anticipation!

We made it, hon!  High Five & time for bed! 

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Somebody has become really interested in going driving whenever we have a minute.  It might be a long wait until she gets that permit since she's only 13!

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I discovered this little gem in one of Mom's old cookbooks (published in 1980) while I was making banana bread today.  The poem really struck me and I'm also sure it is so far from being "politically correct" it would horrify many in the world today.  A lot has changed in 35 years.  I don't ever want to forget that this is the reason I'm a stay-at-home Mom even though I have a college education and the budget is pretty tight right now.  I stay home to greet my four buddies with cookies and kisses.  

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Cade's Priesthood Ordination Day

Meet the newest Deacon!  There's some handsome boys right there! 

It was just fantastic having Grandpa T. here for this occasion

December has been a busy one & busy with important stuff like birthdays, baptisms, and advancements from primary to Young Mens.  Now my little Caders has the priesthood.  I'm so proud of this boy.

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Great day for snuggles with Grandma and Grandpa