Por el Amor A Mi Madre

Well, I have been blessed and fortunate to have had my mom come and visit me . Here in the beautiful Northwest.. my home. My mom was able to get a way for 11 days!!! My sister Emily was here for the weekend as well. It was wonderful to have them both here at the same time. After this photo my mom had said ( in spanish) " Naomi is missing". We always miss the ones who are not with us at that time. I hope this summer will allow all of us to spend sometime together.

Thanks mom for coming up to spend some time with us. I know Dad sure misses you and I know how hard it is to be a way. Thanks for preparing some of our favorite dishes. Enchiladas, carne guisada, and fideo. I was glad I was able to make her some atole and arroz con leche. And cook dinner for her as well. I think I baked a little to much. I wanted her to taste some of my favorite goodies. The min- lemon pound bundt cakes were to good to pass up.

Emily- thanks for taking some extra days and your weekend to visit us while on your bussiness trip. My girls sure loved having you and doing some little crafts. They wished that your kids were here. Maybe next time. Saturday nite will always be a memory. I'm grateful for the power of prayer. I know Heavenly Father hears our prayers no matter how great or small.

Lauren and my mom. It's always a treat to have her come here to visit. We love you!

Erika and grandma. I always tell myself to take more pictures. We just get so busy running around and visiting. I'm sure glad I was able to snap a few before grandma had to fly out.

Emma and grandma. My mom could not believe how much Emma enjoyed reading. Emma always had a book in her hand or one packed in her bag. I'm thankful my mom was here to spend sometime with my family. Thanks for putting up with all of us mom!

Mom, I miss you already! It's not often I get to have you all to myself. Thanks for taking the time to be here. I know its hard to get away. Know that I apprecitate you so much. You are such a strong woman, a kind and giving mother. A mother who prayers for her children and a mother who knows how important it is to stay close to the Lord. Thanks for who you are ,and all you do and continue to do for all for us.

Until next time! Adios... We love you. We miss you already!

"NO INFLUENCE IS SO POWERFUL AS THAT OF THE MOTHER."- Sarah Josepha Hale

Christmas Eve 2009

We have always spent Christmas Eve at Aunt Nancy's home in MOses Lake,Wa. It's where most of the Burnetts live. It's a tradition to go there and meet for dinner. We have a gift swap with all the cousins. We always read the Christmas story and sing a hym or two. I can not tell you how much my girls look forward to going there. It's all they have ever known. Thanks Nancy for always opening your home to all of us. We appreciate more than you know.
Here is Dan and his cousin Nicole on Christmas Eve.

This Christmas was a special one. Andrew will be putting in his mission papers this March. It's his last Christmas Eve with all of us for a while. It's hard to believe he will soon be 19 in May. Nancy was 6 months pregnant with Andrew when I met her for the first time. Emily and Sara were little flower girls for our wedding. Now they are all wonderful adults and grown up.

Jenna Riggs showing us her cousin gift. PET SHOPS!! It's so fun to see the little ones get so excited for their gifts.

Ethan, Tyson, Michael, and Payton opening thier gifts. All the little boys lined up and sticking together.

Chris reading the Christmas story. I love that he does that every year. It's a nice reminder that Christ birth is what Christmas is all about.

Waiting to get things started. Bertie, Tanya, Daren, Lisa, Payton and Thalia.

Erika and Lauren were the gift givers this year. We usually rotate who passes them out. Lauren was the gift giver for years. And then it was Erika and her. They were the youngest one till all the others started having their families.

Grandma Geat with her great grand daughter Kaylee. Nicoles little girl. She is so cute. Her nails were painted red and green. Her hair bows were so festive and darn cute.Andrew and Chris.

Erika and Emma waiting for gifts! Love Emma smile. It reminds me so much of Bapa's smile!

Grandpa and Grandma Great. I love them just as much as I did my grandparents. They have been nothing but loving and kind to me when I came into the family. I'm grateful for every year they are there to spend Christmas with. They are truly a gift to all their grandkids. They sure love them and the kids adore them.

Some of the grand daughters and great grand daughters. Tanya, Emma, Erika, Kaylee, Sara, Lauren, Jenna,Beth,Emille, and Thalia.

Aunt Nancy and her beautiful girls Nicole and Sara. Along with Kaylee.

Tyson and Ethan hanging out till gift time.

Michael and Grace. These are Kristi and Brads kids. It was so wonderful to have seen everyone who was there to celebrate Christmas Eve with us. We sure missed Jeromy and his family. Thanks again Hyer Family for having all of us!! It was great food and company! Thank YOu.

Nee-Nees Knee!

Laurens nickname is Nee-Nee. Erika gave it to her when she could not pronounce Laurens name. The nickname has stuck. We have been so busy with the holidays it's been hard to post. We kicked off the holiday break with Nee- Nee having knee surgery. She had a torn meniscus. Her knee had been giving her problems for quite some time. She played high school softball last year and is hoping to try out again this year. After some x-rays, MRI's and consulting with the doctor we scheduled a surgery date. December 18th.

Lauren getting prepped for surgery. She is a quiet worrier and was so nervous after checking in. Dan and I kept taking turns with her before they were ready to take her away . She was as cold as ice and shaking a little. I do not like hospitals and do not enjoy being there. Lauren hates needles like me. More like fears them. Lucky for her they numbed her up before sticking it to her. Here she is checking out the monitor they would be hooking her up to.

Dan reassuring her everything would be fine. He had given her a blessing the night before. One of the nurses said "she looked like a little bunny" saying "don't eat me!" She had to wait her turn for the OR. So she could see people being wheeled in and out. I think it being her first time, it was scary to be there. Nothing like appreciating what you got while visiting a hospital.

Marking up her knee. Her anesthesiologist came in to meet her and guarentee her that he would have her out before she could count to 10. She only got to 3! He was so nice and promised her he would not let her feel a thing and would be there the entire time. I told her he will be your best friend the next hour.

Trying to muster a smile of confidence. I have never seen our Nee- Nee this nervous. She did so well. Her recover time there was short and sweet. She got up sooner than they expected. Lauren had her crackers and drink and was ready to leave. Thanks to some great pain meds she did not have to feel much pain. She was on crutches for a few days. Lauren loves her baths. She was thrilled when she could shower let a lone have a bath. Yesterday was her post -op appointment. All is good. Now off to find a physical therapist to help strengthen her knee and muscles.

Nee- Nee was such a trooper. She did not complain and took it all in stride. A few years ago she had broke her arm. I remember being in the ER and the doctor telling us how bad her break was. And how lucky she was. She almost had broken it at her growth plate. He said she has a high tolerance for pain. He had seen boys crying with the break Lauren had. He kept telling her it was okay for her to cry because he knew it hurt and she would need pain pills. Lauren would not take one! I'm glad she is tough when she needs to be. We would always have to ask "how are you feeling?" Are you okay? Because she was never one to complain. For that I'm grateful. We love you Nee- Nee and are glad your on the mend. Can't wait to watch you play ball. GO PAPERMAKERS!!!!!

Rockin around the Christmas tree

Emma has been decorating our home with these beautiful snow flakes. It's the only snow we may see all winter. Erika has a big project at school next Friday and asked Emma if she could make her some to take to school. Emma did such a great job making them.

Each year the girls rotate putting up the star. This year as you can see it was Erika. We had a

hard time making that star stay in place. We usually purchase a real tree. Last year we got this tree for 50 bucks. It was a 300 dollar tree. It's really pretty up close. My mom loved it when she came to visit. Last year. It's now hers. I'm borrowing till I can get it to her.

Erika trying to make that star shine and stay in place. We finally managed to make it stay. Emma was not thrilled we were doing a fake tree again this year. It's much easier and less messy. We are never here to keep it watered. And our cats seem to drink the water thats for the tree.

Lauren and Erika checking out some of their ornaments. Each year the girls get a new Christams ornament. They love sorting out wich ones are theirs. Emma said that Lauren had more. I had to remind her that Lauren is the oldest and is 15. Lauren's first Christmas she got more than a few. And when she was born Grandma and Grandpa Burnnett bought her a little ornament that read" worlds best granddaughter." She loves it. It's fun having them recall what they love about the ornament they picked or received.. It reminds me how fast the time is going with the girls. And how many Christmases we have spent with them. As well as how that may change as they are now getting older. It's hard to believe Lauren has 2 more years of high school. And Erika is now in junior high. Emma is still in elementary and I love that.

Somewhere between reminiscing and boredom the girls started wrestling. I have more pics but, this one was is pretty much the bulk of it. Erika taking Lauren down and asking Emma for back up. The girls love to wrestle. Dan has always loved wrestling with them and sometimes forgets he is older and a guy. They do love monkeying around with eachother. No one was hurt or in tears. They just had fun and laughed so much.

Getting started with Christmas decorations. Dan usually strings the lights and get the tree ready. This year he just had to bring it in and set it up. He bailed with putting the ornaments on the tree. He would much rather see it done. The girls stuck it out and helped. We listened to some great Christmas music thanks to my dad. Every year he put a CD together of Christmas music. It's always good and I always find a new favorite. Thanks dad for sharing your love for music with us. It really brings the spirit of Christmas into our home. The girls love listening to it.

Lauren looking for her ornaments. Right before her take down by the girls. All smiles for now.

Some of my nativity. I still have yet to complete my set. I like it but Naomi loves Fontinni. I think I'm starting to too! Every year our stake put on "Festival of the Nativities. They were well over 800 to see. It was amazing to see all the different nativities from around the world. Emma and I went with her acheivment day group. She enjoyed reading about where the nativites came from. It was magical and uplifting to be there. What a wonderful reminder of what the season is truly about.

We made these little ornaments when the girls were little. I think in 2000. For family home evening. Our girls love seeing them and remember making them. They giggle when looking at their dads. (not pictured) They were easy to make. I love that it's a keepsake ornament that involves the theme of Christmas. The Savior's birth.

Each year we buy a family ornament. The girls love picking which one we should get. I like that my tree will not be completely bare when the girls take theirs to decorate their tree!

My ornament this year was made by my dad. He made me and the girls this little train. It's made from different woods. The girls are all different as well. It's beautiful and made by my daddy. The last few years he has made me ornaments. Check out last years post to see them.
He loves making things out of wood. I make sure they are signed and dated. They are sentimental and dear to me. Thanks for all the time and hardwork you put into making them dad. I love decorating the tree with things you have made.

Our family's 2004 ornament. This one is my favorite family one!

My little Department 56 Cumberland home. I only have 3 peices. This one is my favorite one. Why ? You may ask. It reminds me of the beautiful homes you see on Ocean Drive back home in Corpus Christi, Texas. When we were little my mom and dad would take us on a drive to see the lighted homes. These homes were big southern homes. With the big pillars and wrap around porches. I remember gazing at the homes and wondered what their Christmas would be like. I remember thinking.... I wonder if they knew how lucky they are. A big home and HUGE trees. Sometimes you could see their Christmas trees in the front room. They usually had more than 1 tree. It was as tall as the ceiling. The homes were beautifully decorated. I just remember gazing at those homes and adoring thier beauty. Wondering if they appreciated the home they lived in. Knowing I would never know what it would be like to walk into a home like that let a lone live in one.

It's okay though. I had the best Christmas growing up. Every year we would go to my aunt Angies. All of my cousins. It was like a family reunion. My dad had 7 siblings. They all had big families. We sang Christmas carols, ate pan dulce, drank mexican hot chocolate, had tamales and danced till midnight. There was so much love in that home. It was fun counting down to opening our gifts. I have never seen so many presents under one tree. You could hardly fit into the room. I remember what I did feel in that room. And thats what Christmas is all about . LOVE and FAMILY! As well as the birth of our Savior. May we remember He is the reason for the season.

We wish you all a bright and Merry Christmas!

Thankful in Utah 2009

This year we had the oppurtunity to go to Utah for Thanksgiving. My parents were spending it there with Emily, Abe, and Ben. That last Thanksgiving I had with my parents and Abe had been my senior year in 1989. It was overdue. As soon as my parents purchased tickets to be in Utah I said" will be there". Thank goodness the weather cooperated. And no one was down with the flu.
My nephew Jordan, put in his mission papers a few weeks ago and said he could possibly be recieve them while visiting!
I'm so thankful we were able to be there for his call.

On our way. This was somewhere in the blue mountains in Idaho.

It had snowed while passing through. I was so glad our travels were safe and the roads were clear.

Not to long into our trip. Somewhere before Pendelton, Oregon. I always tell my husband some of the scenery along the way reminds be of his hometown in Ephrata, Wa. It's such a contrast from where we live. It's a 4 1/2 hour drive from our home in Camas. They get hotter summers, it snows, and gets very cold in the winter. Unlike Camas. We have mild summers and plenty of rain for winter.

My neice Ava. She is about 7 months now. I had not seen her since July. I kept trying to snap a photo. I love this little profile pic. Lushous lips and plump cheeks. The girls and I could not hold or kiss her enough. Ava was so content. I thought she would be bothered that we were not at all familiar to her. She had nothing but smiles for all of us. I'm so in love with her! This is when living so far away is hard. I love all my neices and nephews and do miss them.

Emma playing a game with Uncle Abe and Matthew. She was sad we were not spending Thanksgiving with her Bapa in Moses Lake this year. She cried. She thought he would be lonely. She did have a great time with her cousins there. She was happy that all of us went to see New Moon together.

Lauren giving Ava some love. How could you not? Tammy got her ears pierced. She is one beautiful baby girl.

Noah! Anytime he saw me with my camera out to take a picture of him he would do something. So here he is. I do not know how many pics I have with a hand or something blocking his face. It was fun to see how much he had changed since summer. I always ask him if he remembers me. He always says "YES" and gives me a hug. It was fun watching him do flips and rolls like Indiana Jones!

Jordan got called to the Texas McAllen Mission. Which is not to far away from where we grew up. It's south Texas. My dad says he will be about 135 miles away from our hometown in Portland, Texas. I am so proud of his desire to serve. He has a strong testimony. You can feel it! He is a good young man. He is my first nephew. He was the only nephew I had the pleasure of being by, as a baby and being an aunt. I used to call in sick just to babysit him and hold him. He was a good baby. He loved Dan wrestling with him. When Dan and I would have to leave his home to go home. He would stand in the window by the door and wave till we were gone. I hope he knows how much I love him. And how much I support him and his desire to serve. He is a great example to his younger cousins. As well as his aunts and uncles. We will write you Jordy!
It was overwhelming to give him my last hug and kiss for the next 2 years. Summer get togethers will not be the same. Sara, my neice was on the phone as he read his call. We all cheered and teared up when he announced his call. He will go where my cousin Sammy had once served. Sara- said" who will jump with me on the trampoline?" Jordan always has played with the younger cousins. They love him and love to play with him. It was so sweet that Sara would miss him playing with her. I am grateful to have been there for his call. It's something I will always cherish. We were all there and Naomi was on the phone with her family! It was great to be there with family and all the love in that room for him. We had placed little sticky notes where close friends and family thought he would go. I think Ben and my dad where the only who guessed Texas.

Dave and Emily preparing our Thanksgiving meal. It was all good! Thanks for having us. We love you !

Aubrey Rose was a little like Noah. No snapping pics! My girls love and miss her already!

Mom holding little Ava. There was always someone waiting for their turn!

Erika loving Ava. I don't think any of us could quite get enough of her.

A little snap of Noah. Isn't he cute? Love this little boy!

Emily and my mom . I got a new camera and need to fix the settings. I sure do love these 2. I sure missed Naomi and her family being there.

I thought Ava looked so cute with Aubreys little hat. I hope it's not to long before I see this little angel again. I miss you already. Hugs and Kisses.

Isacc. He is usually to busy for a picture. He was enjoying some of Dave's mash potatoes. YUMMO!

Emma and Lauren relaxing together!

My dad and brother Abraham waiting to feast. It was wonderful to spend it with my parents and brother. It's been way to long.

Some of the kids hanging out downstairs. Theyare getting to old to want a photo taken. Thanks guys for making our holiday fun and entertaining us. We sure do love yall.


Thanks Grandma Jo for making us a delicious Thanksgiving dinner last Saturday. Thanks for giving us a comfy bed and warm place to stay. Boise is perfect for resting up. We sure enjoyed our visit. It was so good to see Daren, Bertie and the kids. Thanks for having us all over! Love you from all of us.

Crazy 8

Tagged... by Ang

8 T.V. Shows I love:

1. The Office
2. Snapped
3. Desperate House Wives
4. Operation Repo
5. Pawn Stars
6. House Hunters
7. Flippin Out
8. Dirty Jobs

8 Movies I love:

1. Pride and Prejudice
2. Phantom of the Opera
3. Sound of Music
4. Christmas Vacation
5. P.S. I Love You
6. Wizard of Oz
7. Up
8. Other Side of Heaven


8 Restaurants I love: ( but do not have the pleasure of going to)

1. Boat N Net
2. P. F. Chang
3. Whataburger
4. Olive Garden
5. Taco Tote ( San Antonio)
4. Luby's
5. Macaroni Grill
6. Ivars
7. California Kitchen
8. Kiko's

8 Things That Happened Yesterday:

1. Woke up with Lauren at 5 a.m. for seminary
2. Packed all 3 girls lunch as well as Dan's
3. Called all 3 school to excuse them for last Mon- Tue absence
4. Talked to My Best Friend Arianne on the phone!
5. Washed Clothes,&worked from home
6. Made scalloped Potatoes from scratch
7. Ran Erika to Target to get a b- day gift for her BFF
8. Made Erika homemade Pancakes for Breakfast and Emma a sausage and egg bagel.

8 Thing I look Forward To:

1. Going to Disneyland with my family one day
2. Watching my girls turn into youngwomen
3. Visiting my parents
4. Family Vacations
5. Reading a good book
6. Going somewhere with Dan alone for a weekend!
7. Summertime ( no schedules)
8. Living and being with those that I love Forever

8 Things I Love About Winter:

1. Hot Chocolate ( my fav is mexican hot choclate)
2. Seattle's Best
3. Listening to the Christmas Music my dad puts together on a CD. Christmas music from all parts of the world in different styles!
4. Looking at the Christmas Ornaments that we have bought as a family and for the girls each year. And mine from my childhood.
5. The glow of the fireplace
6. Baking
7. White Christmas
8. Being indoors with the Family

8 Things On My Wish List: ( Do I have one) It's not about me, it's about the kids! I'll dream for now.

1. Going to Disneyland with my family
2. Good Health for me and my loved ones
3. Happiness
4. That Jordan has a great 2 years!
5. World Peace
6. That my girls never forget that they are Daughters of God.
7. Safety
8. Having my parents closer

8 People I Tag:

1. Emily
2. Lisa Riggs
3. Blanca
4. Arianne
5. Alissa
6. Lynn
7. Angie Thomas
8. Lindee Rigs

Emma

Emma shortly after her arrival .

Emma celebrating her 1st birthday in Ephrata, Wa. At grandma and grandpa's home. Erika trying to help her blow out the candle and make a wish.

Emma in Lincoln, City. This is one of my favorite photos of Emma. Arianne took this pic and I sure do love it.