Winter Weekend

 This past weekend the older girls and I went on a little family retreat.  Chris opted to stay home with Ruby.  It was the first time I've ever not been with Ruby.  I cried when we left.  Love that little Ruby so much.  But no one can take better care of her, than Daddy!

My parents got two Condo's at East Canyon Resort.  I've never gone up there in the Winter.  It was really awesome!  I had a marvelous time, and I know the girls just loved having so many cousins to play play play with every moment.  We watched movies, played tons of games, the kids swam in the kiddie pool, outside!!!, some adults sat in the hot tub, we took the kids tubing, went on walks, and ate tons, and tons of really good food.  I actually came home with a new recipe, from Adelle, Monica, and Jennifer!  Grandpa gave each kid, $5 to spend at the little store.  Each cousin picked out a toy or two with their money.  And we had quite the spread while watching last nights Super Bowl game.  

It was a fun little get away.  A break from the norm.  I'm glad the girls and I were able to go, and have some play time.  I love spending time with family :)

Ice Castles of Midway

We went to see the Ice Castles of Midway tonight.  We waited until dusk on purpose.  And once the lights came on, it was beautiful.  We walked through the frozen walls of Ice for 2 hours!  I could have stayed all night.  I think my little family really enjoyed it.  Something fun that we've never done before.  I would go again in a heart beat :)

Here is my Picture Explosion!

Christmas 2013

 This top picture is the one I took of the girls at the Jorgensen Family Christmas Party.

Held on the Saturday before Christmas. 

Chris' sister built a new house a few years ago and the family has gotten so big, that we have been having the party at her house now instead of Chris' moms.  We all just fit a whole lot better.  

The house is huge, and beautiful.  I'll have to post some pics on Facebook or something.  It's gorgeous.  It's also in Payson.  Which means, an hour and a half to two hours of driving each way for us.  So we stayed and hung out a while.  Great food, exchanging of small gifts, and of course, lots and lots of FAMILY :)

A picture of one of my favorite Christmas ornaments!  Our family.

Money was tight this year.  Very tight.  Chris and I have been working on some financial goals.

Without going into it, it's been tough.  How do you get through Christmas time with little funds?  

So the girls were taken care of, and Chris and myself had a very small Christmas.  

I have to admit, and I found out later, that Chris felt the same way, that neither one of us were looking forward to the gift exchange at grandma's this year.  When people were opening our gifts, Chris and I both wanted to go hide.  I was feeling a bit embarrassed.  Not a fun feeling.  I'm glad everyone weather they knew it or not, were good sports.  Because I was already feeling a bit bad.

On the other hand.... I have learned a lot lately, about the handling of money.  What you really need, and what you can let go.  And I really felt like I enjoyed the Christmas lights that much more this year!!  They were also, FREE!  ha..ha.. But, Seriously.  I am learning lessons, I wish I'd have known years ago.  And even though we're late bloomers, I am glad to have this knowledge now.

It looks like Santa Came!!  He didn't pass us by.  He remembered the Jorgensen's :)

We put our tree in the basement this year, because I was afraid it would be hard to keep Ruby out of it.  I did have one little 6 foot tree upstairs, and she only knocked it over once! Ha ha... 

 Looks like the girls made out like bandits!  :)  

I had my family pose for one quick Christmas Day photo before heading off to grandma and grandpa's house.  I'm so glad I did, because I think it's the only photo I was in all day.  But mostly, because I love my little family, and I love this picture!

On the way to Grandma and Grandpa's we sang "over the river and through the woods", in the car.

The whole family was there.  Mom made a ham, and cheesy potatoes, salad, rolls, and plenty of treats.  And it seemed like we were exchanging gifts for a really long time.  

I think I have Laser Envy! :)  Our inside joke for this year.

And finally, the girls and their matching American Girl Dolls, Jammies, and Blankets.  

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!!

I'm happy to report, that Elle stayed in her Jammies for 4 days straight.  I think she liked them!

Thanks everyone for an amazing Christmas :)