Christmas 2013

Christmas Morning came (very early) and went. Every year it sure seems to take me a little bit by surprise. The kids went to bed around 11 pm last night but managed to stay awake well past 1 am. They decided to sleep in Evelyn's room and we could hear them whispering and giggling for hours. It made for a late night for us. Then again just before 5 am we could hear them rousing. They claim they went downstairs to watch a movie and DID NOT set foot in the blue room to see if the Jolly Old Elf had stopped by. By 6 am they could not wait a second longer. Despite us telling them the night before that they had to wait to wake us until 7 am. So at 6:05 am we were awakened by blaring lights, giggling, jumping on the bed, and a chorus of "It's Christmas Morning! Wake Up! It is time to get UP!" 

I have discovered the fastest way to get them all to cooperate for a family photo! Keep Christmas Morning presents hostage!! I made them sit on the stairs just outside the Blue room for a picture. Fastest picture ever. I didn't have to threaten or bribe for great smiles or to sit by each other or anything! I joked to Nate that our family pictures are going to be scheduled for Christmas Morning from now on!!!

From Santa Evelyn received a doll that is for hairstyling and she LOVES it! 

Santa gave Ryland a Halo mega bloks set. Ryland swears up and down he is not ready to get rid of his thousands of Legos, since he so desperately wanted this mega bloks set. I tease him that he is cheating on his Star Wars Legos by playing with these. haha He swears they still hold the biggest spot in his heart. 

A while back I got myself a new blanket for our bed. It is the softest thing EVER! Well, Ally and Ryland have coveted that blanket since the second they touched it. So, like a good Mom, or at least a Mom who wanted them to keep their grubby little paws off of her blanket, I got them both one. I LOVED capturing this moment when Ryland opened up his blanket. SCORE!

Santa gave Ethan a newer, nicer camera to upgrade the one he received a few years ago. 

Ally received from Santa a large HOT PINK makeup kit! She was super excited! She also got a large lighted vanity mirror from us. Once the morning excitement was over she spent quite a bit of time getting acquainted with it all. Her world will never be the same again. 

Evelyn asked for a 'Merican doll just a few days before Christmas. Since I had already gotten this AND wrapped it AND I knew she didn't really know what an American Doll even was I stuck with this. She was thrilled with her 'Merican doll. I am seriously wondering how long this will last. At some point she will get wise when someone else shows her their ACTUAL American Doll. In my defense, I NEVER actually said it WAS an American Doll, I just never corrected her either. (Why do they have to be so blasted expensive?)

After her Mexican Celebration of Learning we found out they were selling some of the skirts. We quickly snatched up this cute purple one for Evelyn. She is in twirly skirt heaven!!! Plus I am going to make her wear it for Halloween next year! Double Score!! 

Since the snow has started to fall this winter we have discovered how trashed our current sleds were. Pathetic and mostly unsafe, gotta say. So we sprung for some new sleds for Christmas. Now all we need is some fresh new snow to test sled these puppies on. Kids are super excited!

Once the kids were all done opening up their gifts, it was our turn.

We received some wonderful art work from the kids and some yummy treats. Ally also knitted me a beautiful pink/white scarf, which is perfect with my shorter hair, my neck gets cold easy. 

I gave Nate his Dad's old Chess table and set. LaVere bought it in Italy about 25 years ago. The chess pieces are from England. The table is inlaid wood and is BEAUTIFUL. The set is quite heavy and ornate. Nate was super excited. He has always wanted it if they were to ever get rid of it. They asked me last month if I was interested, I seriously had no idea if he would want it and I told them I would think it over. Not ten minutes later Nate walked into the room, headed straight for it and said, "If you ever get rid of this, I am the first to know!" I thought, SOLD!! He was VERY surprised! Thankfully he has Ryland to play with. Ryland loves to play chess and is even in the Chess Club at school. I wonder where he gets it from?

Let's just say we were all done before the first hint of light appeared outside. Ethan declared that that should be our family tradition. I told him thanks to them it already was. I honestly can't remember a year that they waited til the sun came up to wake us up. Even the year the power was out and we HAD to open our presents by FLASHLIGHT!!

We had a wonderful visit from Grandma and Grandpa Hale that morning as well. We couldn't remember how to use the self timer on the camera so Nate graciously took one for us. 

We spent the day playing with new things, eating, sleeping, watching Studio C, and enjoying one another's company. In the evening Grandma and Grandpa Burke arrived for Christmas Dinner. We apparently had too much fun eating, playing games and watching a wonderful Christmas movie that they brought that we forgot to take ANY pictures with them! Two nights in a row. tsk tsk 

Ethan's Eagle Scout Project

 For Ethan's Eagle Project he got with the South Willard Water Company and came up with a plan to remove Sage Brush from around the large water tanks that hold and provide water for the community. If the Sage Brush are allowed to remain and grow large the roots can over time breach the water tank and cause the tanks to fail. If that were to happen they would need to be replaced, which would cost around a million dollars. 

So Ethan set up a time for volunteers to come and work together to remove the Sage Brush. He had around 40 or so people come with tools and some heavy equipment to remove the offending brush. 

Grandpa Burke's personal pile of Sage Brush that he removed. He was quite pleased with this accomplishment. Given he is such an old man now. Haha!

Ethan using my Loud Mouth to give directions to his many volunteers.

Aunt Jen and Shaylen were among the many who arrived to lend a helping hand. Unfortunately for us, Shay and I were the only ones to encounter a snake. It was at the same time and of course we both  screamed like the little girls we once were. (shudder) 

Ally helped man the volunteer check-in/out table. She kept a log of how much time each volunteer gave. 

Ethan asked me to be in charge of Otter Pop and water distribution as well as photography for the day. 

Ethan also had a Willard Firefighter come and be on hand to make sure that we someone there to help assist in the event of an injury, a snake bite and to watch over the brush being burned.

Proud Mom and Dad with their hard working boy

Some of the Sage Brush awaiting burning. 

With the planning, preparation and time of the volunteers he acquired 115 hours and 23 minutes. He worked really hard and we are super  proud of him and all of his efforts. Now on to the Board of Review!

Flashback Friday: Sydneys Baptism and the Lodge 2008

We always enjoy our time as a family up at the Laketown Lodge. But this particular trip up was even more meaningful. We had it planned to go up for the weekend of our niece, Sydney's baptism. It was the first weekend of March. Well, the fourth of February is when my Dad and his wife Fran, had their moose accident. My Dad ended up only being released from the hospital the day of the Baptism. They allowed he and Fran to travel up to the Lodge to participate in the Baptism and then he headed straight back to the hospital for one final check and was then released. He had been in there for a month. We were so grateful we were able be together with him in celebration instead of in mourning.

The Lodge is always full of good times and good food and this day was no exception. We returned after the Baptism to eat a feast and to take some pictures with Dad.

Dad with my brother, Travis, and his two boys, Garrett and Tyler.

Sophia Kelsey and Grandpa Burke

Evelyn, Nate, Ryland, Ronda, Ally, Dad and Fran and Ethan Mills

Garrett, Sarah, Travis, Julia, Dad and Fran and Tyler Burke

Jennifer, Shaylen, Ridge, Dad and Fran, and Sawyer Skidmore

Kai, Joe and Sophia Burke with Dad and Fran

Wyatt, Dad, Sydney, Fran, Heidi, Logan, Travis, Carson and Megan Muirbrook



Fifty Years Ago Today

Fifty years ago today, my Dad, Elder Gordon L. Burke, gave his Missionary Farewell Testimonial, in Annis, Idaho. Before leaving to the South Germany Mission for 30 months.

I have been working on organizing and scanning his mission memorabilia this last month or so. It hadn't even dawned on me that this February the 24th, 2013 was exactly 50 years to the day that he gave his Farewell address until just a couple days ago. What a fun thing to be working on at such a momentous Anniversary.

Super Bowl Salon

My Dad and his wonderful wife, Fran, came over tonight to eat dinner with us, watch The Game, and in general just hang out. We had a great time. Very relaxing. The boys were around too but when the camera was out they happened to be in the basement.  

 Evelyn loves to practice painting peoples nails. When she realized she had two new customers she went to work on wooing them into submission. They were both great sports and let her practice her fledling skills on them. I am not even sure I could have gotten my Dad to let me paint his toenails when I was little girl. However, Evelyn has him wrapped around her little finger for sure, so it wasn't a tough sale.

 Aren't they lovely?



Ryland's Baptism

Ryland's Baptism turned into a crazy busy day. While we didn't intend it to be that way, it definitely ended up that way. We ended up having carpet layers in the basement from 10:30 am to 9 pm (that is a whole other story, one that I'm currently trying to forget), we had a piano recital for our older three kids, plus the Baptism and all that that entails. Believe me, it was a crazy day. I told people that if they saw me sitting in the corner crying to just assume I was feeling the spirit! :) I was worried that I wouldn't be able to focus and enjoy the Baptism, but fortunately when the time came, I was able to put everythig else aside and enjoy the moment.

I still can't believe that Ryland is old enough to be Baptized! It is just crazy to me how fast time is going.

Grandma and Grandpa Burke with Ryland

Grandma and Grandpa Mathie with Ryland

Great Grandma and Grandpa Jackman with Ryland

Unfortunately my Mom and her husband Bob, Grandma and Grandpa Hale, weren't able to come. They are Logan Temple workers and have the Saturday shift. They were definitely there in spirit though and will be blessed for their service and sacrifice I am sure!

It was a crazy, busy, wonderfully blessed day! We love you Chub and are so proud of you and the choices you are making!