Merry Christmas 2007

Dear family and friends,
I am sure by now you are decking the halls, jingling the bells, and trimming your trees. And, quite possibly going a little crazy just like me!
Christmas is here and I cant believe that I am writing. I think I say that in disbelief every year. But its true, like it or not the holidays are coming!
The Scoresby family is doing splendid. We are all healthy, happy, and well. We are always on the move, never letting any grass grow under our feet. And that is simply the truth.
A year in review for us:
January brought a baptism for Megan.
February brought in many ballroom competitions.
March took us to Florida for a week, with our whole family to watch Mikayla compete in the National Dance Competition. They won! It was pretty amazing.
April-put Keri at the young age of 40, but I got to celebrate in Playa del Carmen Mexico...Thanks Aflac, and thanks Steve for working so hard.
May-brought pre-school graduation, and soccer for Mason (now that was an experience)
June-We learned how to geo-cache...We love it!
July-brought a trip to San Diego for Ker, and a great Scoresby Family Reunion! And the death of our Tink.
August-there was hiking, biking, swimming, playing and the Preece reunion! Hmmm how about that bear! It also meant new dance team tryouts and new partners. Mikayla is now on the Jr.Prep team, and Megan is on the Pre-teen Millenia team.
September-meant transferring schools for all the kids to Noah Webster Academy. They are all excelling and doing well. It also brought Cougar ball–Go Cougs!
October-brought Vegas (thanks again Aflac) and spooks. The weather was warm. I don’t remember Halloween being that warm in a long time.
November-has come and gone. We hosted another successful Thanksgiving with the Scoresby’. I found I can really cook.
December is here , we had our first snowfall. Megan danced her first professional program. Return to Christmas. It was so great, and she was so proud.
As we remember our Saviour this Christmas season we often reflect on his love for us, and his life that he gave. We hope that you too will take a moment to ponder him and the wonderful things he has done for each of us.

We are grateful to each of you, as you have touched our life in some special way. Life would be dull without our families and friends.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (really? 2008!)

Love,
Stephen, Ker, Mikayla, Megan, and Mason

Our Family Snowball Fight

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The Christmas tradition continues.....

Our week has been filled with fun, fun, fun. If you are a member of our family, you will know that we rarely stop to rest. Here is a little of our 2nd week of December. We started our week off on Sunday the 9th with our girls first piano recital. They did so well, and Steve was so proud of them. He didnt really think that they played much. (only because he is gone in the mornings when the practice!) Becca Hamblin (their teacher) was so nice to even let Mace play a song that Meg taught him. He really wants to take lessons too, but maybe in a year or so. The girls love Becca and therefore love to take lessons.




Monday was a day of rest and reading Christmas books--wow-my favorite day so far.

Tuesday brought a FUN night in Salt Lake City at temple square. We went with our good friends the Moses', Adams, and Caziers. We rode tracks to downtown and spent the evening looking at the lights. We made it an extra late night by going to Krispy Kreme's and having donuts! It was such fun time! Can I say I love my friends!









Wednesday brought delivering gifts to the neighbors. I love that I can just drive the car, and I have runners to run, knock and say "Merry Christmas!"

Thursday was our traditional "St. Lucia" day. St. Lucia was a saint who was remembered for her service and kindness. On the 13th of December people recognize this day for her by making a braided sweet bread that is in the shape of a wreath with candles and cranberries (but I hate cranberries, so there are none on our wreath).



Friday we did another Christmas Craft at home.

Saturday was celebrated by going to our ward Christmas party. It was so great! We did a night in Bethlehem. The kids loved it and the program was wonderful. It helped them to remember what Christmas is all about. I felt myself getting emotional as I held my friends baby Truman as we sang Silent Night. I thought of the Savior and all he has done for me. What a blessing to be where we are right now.

Polar Bears Anyone?

One of my favorite things about winter is "hot tubbing". I love my hot tub in the winter. It is so cool to sit out in the cold and look at the snow and icicles and yet be SO WARM! I love to sit and watch it snow when I am relaxing as well.
(Summertime is fun, but I do not get in nearly as often as I do in the winter.)

A few years back our best friends and us were sitting in their hot tub on New Years Eve. It had just snowed in Mapleton and the snow was calling us. Yes literally calling us. It was at that point that we formed the "Polar Bear Club".
To be in the club, there is a special initiation. You must sit in the hot tub and get really nice and toasty hot! Then you must jump out of the tub and roll in the snow. Yes, I said roll in the snow. Then you must jump back into the hottub and endure the coolest sensation throughout your body. Yes it is a wicked feeling.

SO-we had our first initiation of the season... Our good friends the Rasmussens came to soak their weary bodies-and Julie was initiated into the club. She is a true polar bear. Shane on the other hand, well he is NOT a polar bear. He is a penguin. So, if any of you want to come and soak, I dare you to join the bears this winter. ***WARNING***DO NOT attempt if you have heart trouble! This activity is a heart pumping sensation!

More of our December Adventures

First of all let me say that our little magical elf--is awesome and the kids are really enjoying finding him. AND they are much better behaved! Here is a re-cap of our activities of the week. On Monday December 3rd we gave the kids a challenge to give up 3-5 different toys to charity. They were all so willing, and more. We have 3 large bags ready to go.

Decemeber 4th we (or should I say Dad and the kids) made our gingerbread house. This is always a fun tradition for us, and it is always so tempting for the kids! A good time was had by all. Although, I think Steve was ready to tear his hair out by the time it was all said and done.



On Wednesday the kids made Christmas cards for each of their grandparents. Meg of course was the main card maker. She is my artsy fartsy girl. LOVES anything to do with art.



Thursday was a big day for our Mason. He was so excited, because it was St. Nikolas Day and he was testing those waters to see if his shoes were going to be filled with toys and goodies. He was so excited that he couldnt sleep. He kept bouncing from our bed to his. (this should worry me about Christmas! I may not sleep)

Friday brought Christmas crafs and Saturday was a play day in the snow!
We are enjoying the spirit of the holiday, and the kids look forward to each and everyday that we get to do something together.

December is here!

Well, it is official, December is here! We woke with snow coming down, and I would like to say that it came with a vengence, but it did not. Although, Utah county did see 2-3 inches, and the kids had a great time in the snow. I love December, not only because its the month of Christmas, but because it is a month of tradition for our family.

On December 1st (since our kids were little), we have our own little secret elf "Dugan" that comes and leaves a little package for the kids. The gift usually includes an ornament for each kid(then when the kids get older, they can take them with them), it has either a book or a Christmas DVD. This year it was a DVD, and a Christmas count down chain. Each link has a daily activity that we are to do each day as a family to prepare for the holiday. Now mind you, a lot of thinking and preparation goes into this big event. Our children LOVE it, and thats all they talk about in Novemeber. Wondering and anticipating the arrival of Dugan.
This year my father came and brought the gift--informing the kids that as he was pulling into the neighborhood, a funny little man stopped him and asked him if he was Mikayla, Meg and Mace's grandpa. He asked grandpa to deliver the gift. Well-if eyes could be saucers, Meg and Mason took the cake! It was awesome. They were thrilled! This year we have a little miniture stuffed elf that came with the package. He is magical-he moves around the house spying on naughty or nice children and reporting to Santa. Mason is intruiged. Santa also leaves them with a letter-reminding them the real meaning for the season and encourages service, love and time. It is such a great tradition.

Yesterday (Day 24) The kids got to decorate the family room with chains, snowflakes and snowmen. We had a great time doing it! The girls loved making the chain. Mikayla's topped off at 402 links, and Megs at 200.


Today (Day 23) We started our "Joy" journal. We are taking Pres. Eyerings talk to heart and recording daily the things that bring us joy and that we are grateful for. And we watched the 1st Presidencys message.

Thanksgiving photos!

Thanksgiving 2007

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. I found that I really can do Thanksgiving, and it wasnt just a one year fluke. I did it 2 years in a row-without a hitch! The turkey was awesome! I think everyone liked it. Stephens parents came, and his brother Mike and Jen (and their 2 kids),his brother Ev and Kristel came, and our good friends Jason and Jamee and their kids came. It was so much fun. We played games and ate ALL day!

This year I did NOT go shopping. Can you believe it! My best friend Cheri' was not happy with me that I broke "tradition"-but I still love ya Ri'! I just wasnt prepared this year. BUT we still had a wonderful weekend.

On Friday we played games and ate some more. The girls had a sleepover with their cousins....They did not go to sleep until almost 1 am. Mason had his buddy Teague over. Can I just say they are crazy boys.

Saturday brought a huge day! The boys took off to the BYU vs Utah game. WOW what a game! BYU won! I'm glad they won, but even more glad that all of those Scoresby boys came home happy!

While the boys were at the game, all of the girls went to this cute little place that I discovered in Midway. It is called "Pandora's Tea Parlour". Oh my gosh! It was so fun. All of us got to dress up and have a real tea party. It was just so much fun to see all of the little girls and big girls in a fun setting. I think Megan changed her outfit 3 times.

All in all, it was a great weekend. I have realized in my "young age" that really all that matters is family and friends. I think I have the best of both.

Only in Idaho

Couldnt resist this one! Thanks Michelle.....
ps...Here it is a few days later and we are still undecided if a move is in store for us.

REASONS NOT TO MOVE TO IDAHO

So,the word is out! Stephen has been interviewing for a job with Aflac in our home state. He has been offered many other positions before-but for some silly reason, this one, he has really pursued. Dont ask me why, I never thought that I would move back home. Dont get me wrong, I love Idaho, and I love my family---but its not Utah, and I love it here. I love my family that is here, and I love Stephens family that is here too.
He just returned from Boise yesterday and all went very well. For those of you who may be wondering what were thinking, and where we are at with it all--we dont know yet. Pro-s and Con-s are not helping much because it is sixes. But it would be a great opportunity for Steve. For me and my job, it would be ok too-I have a large team there as well. BUT it is really hard for both of us to make a huge change when we have been here for 21 years. This is home and the roots run deep.

I must thank my friend Dean (Deanne) for her list of "Reasons to not move to Idaho". If you would like to read them, and add to the list--it may help in our decision. You can look on my blog (to the left and scroll down)under "my Peeps" and click on Darin and Dean. Thanks Darin and Deanne it means alot to us that you care and that you are such good friends to us!

We will keep you posted (no pun intended) on whats happening. As for me I would be perfectly happy if I stayed in "Happy Valley".

My Van--Home away from home

For me I spend as much time in my car as I do at my house. This past weekend we had to make an unexpected trip home to Idaho for a funeral. We had a great time visiting all of our families. Well "Old Green" hit a milestone. She rolled over 100,000 miles. Old Green has been a good vehicle. She has done many school runs, A million dance runs, soccer runs, and many trips to Idaho and Vegas. We are grateful for "Old Green". I tried to convince Stephen that we should retire her and get a new one. UM "NO" was the answer. So who knows how long it will be until I get another new vehicle. Until then I guess its me and old green!

**Only a true scrapbooker would scrapbook (or blog) this silly event!

I DID IT!

I have been working out faithfully (every morning I leave my house at 5:45) with my good friend Deanne and Maleen (and sometimes Kari). I have lost 8 lbs and I feel great! I am off the soda and TRYING to get off the sugar! GRrrrr! But one of the things I have found that I have,is a love/hate relationship with is "spinning". That workout kicks my rear all around the block! Seriously. It is so HARD! I hate going, but I LOVE the rush when I am done! It is kind of addicting.

I finally met my goal after 5 weeks of working out-to spin 3 times a week. I DID IT this week! I am very proud of myself because this 40 year old body wants to be 20 and have all that energy again, but unfortunately thanks to age and gravity it is twice as hard getting to this point.

Being the ding dong I am (am I blonde?), I was so excited at my accomplishment, that I didnt think things through. We had a gal in our class that coaches basketball, and since we were doing a "climbing ride", our instructor Audra asked this gal to run some basketball drills with us. Oh dang I havnt done these since High School. In my head, I am like "yeah, I can run these-no problem". Well it was no problem-(I actually still have that sprint in me)-until I was finished and now I will be babying my knee all weekend as it is now in severe pain. Nice huh!

So now I am making a note to self that there is a reason I dont run anymore. My knee's are trashed and I DONT want to have the surgery.I have seen first hand the recoup from the surgery from an old friend of mine. SO-- I spin and do water aerobics so that I dont have the impact on my knee!

But--its still a great day! I met my goal and I have 2 pounds to go to reach my doctors goal by December 1st. I am so hoping that the cholesterol is down, and that my thyroid is back in working order-BECAUSE I FEEL GREAT! And I feel like I am healthy! WOOHOO!

Halloween wrap up!

Can I just say that Halloween was a riot! The day was spent at the school with the kids, watching their parades, and helping with class parties. After school we went back to the neighborhood to pick up Liv,Erica, and Teague (all friends of the kids). We went down to Provo- and trick or treated the Center street. It was great fun and I loved seeing all of the cool costumes. We then mosied over to the church for "Trunk or Treating" which was fun for everyone. It was kind of strange to trick or treat in the light though. The weather was incredible. Nice and comfortable for everyone. Last year it was "butt nummin" cold. After trunk or treat some of our good friends Darin and Deanne and their fam, and Jason and Jamee and their fam went with us to our Uncle Evan and Aunt Kristels house to trick or treat and to hit their neighborhood. I think that fun was certainly had by all. Everyone has been on a sugar high for a week.

Halloween is HERE!

I love this time of year! All the holidays are upon us. Halloween, my Best Friends birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years--sheesh! Its great. I love all the festivities, traditions,sights, and smells, but most importantly I love the laughter the of my kids. We kicked off the season with our 2nd annual Halloween Party/Family Home Evening. We invited some of our great friends to join us. We had great soups, breads, hotchocolate and desserts galore! The kids all enjoyed the evening with a cupcake walk, a doughnut eating race, a fish pond, guessing jar and of course the monster mash musical chairs-in which Trevor won! The older kids kept the night going by playing "ghosts in the graveyard". The weather was beautiful, and great for an evening outside. Our back yard weas decked out with everyones pumpkins all carved and lit. I bought a fireplace just in case it was cold, but it added to the ambiance! Next year my friend Maleen said she was going to make us all hand warmers. I am keeping her to that offer, because last year--we were all FREEZING! It was a great night, and a fun tradition that I think we will keep on a doing.

Monster Mash!

Halloween Rules:

1. When it appears that you have killed the monster, "never" check to see if it's really dead.
2. Never read a book of demon summoning aloud, even as a joke.
3. Do not search the basement, especially if the power has just gone out.
4. If children speak to you in Latin or any other language which they should not know, or if they speak to you using a voice which is other than their own, shoot them immediately. It will save you a lot of grief in the long run. NOTE: It will probably take several rounds to kill them, so be prepared.
5. When you have the benefit of numbers, "never" pair off and go it alone.
6. As a general rule, don't solve puzzles that open portals to Hell.
7. Never stand in, on, above, below, beside, or anywhere near a grave, tomb, crypt, mausoleum, or other house of the dead.
8. If you're searching for something which caused a noise and find out that it's just the cat, leave the room immediately if you value your life.
9. If appliances start operating by themselves, move out.
10. Do not take "anything" from the dead.
11. If you find a town which looks deserted, it's probably for a reason. Take the hint and stay away.
12. Don't fool with recombinant DNA technology unless you're sure you know what you are doing.
13. If you're running from the monster, expect to trip or fall down at least twice, more if you are of the female persuasion. Also note that, despite the fact that you are running and the monster is merely shambling along, it's still moving fast enough to catch up with you.
14. If your companions suddenly begin to exhibit uncharacteristic behavior such as hissing, fascination for blood, glowing eyes, increasing hairiness, and so on, get away from them as fast as possible.
15. Stay away from certain geographical locations, some of which are listed here: Amityville, Elm Street, Transylvania, Nilbog (you're in trouble if you recognize this one), the Bermuda Triangle, or any small town in Maine.
16. If your car runs out of gas at night, do not go to the nearby deserted-looking house to phone for help.
17. Beware of strangers bearing tools such as chainsaws, staple guns, hedge trimmers, electric carving knives, combines, lawnmowers, butane torches, soldering irons, band saws, or any device made from deceased companions.

Follow the rules and have a Happy, Safe Halloween! -- Steve

Our mini vacation to VEGAS!

We spent this past week in Vegas for Steve's National Convention with AFLAC. This is his 3rd year qualifying-and let me tell you it is not something easy to do. He works very hard for our "reward" trips. We love them! It's nice to go on an all expense paid trip for a week. What company gives you spending money as well! We had a great time! We stayed in the Venetian Hotel (which was awesome!). The only thing I did not like was that I had to pay $30 a day to work out....needless to say, I chose to spend my money elsewhere and I walked for several hours everyday.

We were able to see "Mama Mia"-which I LOVED! I highly recommend it! It was a great evening. We also saw Wayne Brady LIVE. He was excellent. If you like "Whose line is it anyways", you will love his show. We had back stage passes to "Jubilee" as well. Steve especially liked this show! We went to the movies, ate, shopped, hung out with friends,played the slots and tables,and relaxed.

One of the highlights of the trip for us, was seeing our friends Angie and Gary Irvin. When Stephen first started in the insurance industry 20 years ago-Gary owned the company "Marketing and Management" that Steve worked for. Gary taught Steve everything he knows. He has always been a mentor to Steve. We had 10 years of great memories and fun with the Irvins. Since then, they sold the company to another insurance underwriter. Gary is now with AFLAC< and is a District Sales Coordinator like Steve in Arizona. It was so fun to see them and spend some time with them.

Our next trip that we are in contest for is in progress now. It is our state convention in April. It will be a 9 day cruise to the Carribbean. We are excited, and Steve-o is hitting it hard tomorrow.

Vegas 2007!

What Color are you?

You Are a Blue Crayon

Your world is colored in calm, understated, deep colors. You are a loyal person, and the truest friend anyone could hope to find. On the inside, you tend to be emotional and even a bit moody. However, you know that people depend on you. So you put on a strong front. Your color wheel opposite is orange. Orange people may be opinionated, but you feel they lack the depth to truly understand what they're saying.

What Color Crayon Are You?

"Super" Saturday

So, I am a little behind in my life here. I just wanted to say thanks to all my friends who pulled off a great Super Saturday last weekend! What a great day for all who came. It's always fun to get together with friends, and I personally think I have the greatest friends in the world!

Progress

Well we are finally making some progress after a few months of new birdies. Our good friends Cami and Matt came over yesterday and clipped their wings and talons. Camie worked with me for quite some time on training them. Alot of training seems to be patience-and well we all know that that is one virtue I lack! Anyways by 15 minutes into them being here, they were calming down and by the evening they were being held out of their cages and not freaking out! That darn Samson was flying around my house for 15 minutes before we caught him. The kids have never been able to handle them like they did "Tink", but hey this is progress, and I am hopeful!

*Please note that we dont let Mason hold the birds on his own EVER!

The Finished product

Well many of you-my fellow bloggers have asked what the finished product of the girlies hair was. SO, I finally took some photos this morning. Mikayla's isnt much different. It does have the blonde highlights in it, and is significantly shorter-but it was already so long, it dosent seem to be much different to me. Megs-well hers is a different story. It is darling short, and she is loving it and I think that thats all that matters when you are 8.

chop! chop!

We three girlies had a day at the beauty house of my dear friend Kellie. We love Kellie, she always does such a great job! Not to mention she is great company when your getting your hair done. And of course its always a treat when Dan-o, Mason and JoJo are running around...gotta love the laughter of little boys.

Anyways,our cute Megs wanted all of her beautiful black hair chopped off. Twas her choice and wow-she is so darn cute! We love it, and might I add it is my favorite style on her. I much prefer her hair short, it just sits so cute with her pixie face.

Mikayla girl cut her hair up to the middle of her back (probably 7 inches), and had Kellie highlight her blonde. Oh she is so grown up, and just loves it. She cant stop looking at herself and touching her hair.

Me, well I did the usual coloring of the grey. Had some highlites and a trim.
Its always a great feeling getting your hair done! Thanks Kell-you did great!