Merry Christmas!

It is that time of year again! The time to reflect on the last 12 months and look forward to the next 12! This has been a good year for us and we hope the same for you!

MITCH has worked so hard finishing up his LAST year of college! At times it felt like the year would never end. In addition to being a full-time student, he also continued working at FedEx. He also completed an internship this summer. It was a great day if we got to see him for more than 2 minutes! We were able to celebrate his GRADUATION last Friday and it felt great! He received his Bachelors Degree in Business Management, emphasis in Supply Chain Operations. We are all looking forward to being able to spend time with him in the evenings since he no longer has homework! He will continue working at FedEx until that he finds that PERFECT job! Hopefully sooner rather than later. In his spare time, which he will now actually have, he loves to play with the kiddos, play video games and watch movies.

STACIE loves being able to stay at home with the kids. I am still LOVING my "job" as a Premier Designs Jewelry Lady! I have met some life long friends and I have had a very successful year. I have received 2 promotions in my business this year, putting me into a position of leadership. When I am not busy being mom or jewelry lady, I am busy serving as the Secretary in the Primary and teaching Michael's Joy School class every 5th week. In my spare time, I love to read a good romance novel or watch a good romance movie.

MICHAEL just turned 4! He is such a character and keeps us laughing constantly! He loves to watch movies, play games (especially Angry Birds), read books, play with play-dough and color. He is a well-rounded kid. He started Joy School this year and it has been really good for him. He is learning so much and he asks me every morning if he gets to go to school. He goes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I teach every 5th week and he loves when school is at our house because he gets to be the special helper. He loves going to Primary, but doesn't like to sing the songs. The only song that he will sing is the ABC's. He is a very picky eater and will only eat chicken nuggets, hot dogs, pizza and anything that contains sugar!

KELLI is 19 months and such a busy little girl. She won't sit still for anything! She, too, constantly keeps us laughing and on our toes. She has such a curious mind and wants to know how everything works and what everything does. She loves to be tickled by Daddy and has such a contagious laugh. She still isn't really talking, but does say, "Hi" to EVERYBODY everywhere. She LOVES to eat and it amazes me how much she can eat, especially with only her 4 teeth! She hates shoes...actually just her left shoe? Every time we get in the car she kicks off her left shoe and sock. She thinks it is hysterical. She LOVES Michael and wants to do everything that he does. She is SO much fun!

We have been so blessed this year. We are grateful for each of you. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love,
Mitch, Stacie, Michael & Kelli

MITCH'S GRADUATION!!!

The day FINALLY arrived! After 6 1/2 years of school, Mitch graduated from BYU-I on Friday!! I think it was the BEST day of his life (with the exception of our wedding day...maybe!) He has worked SO hard and I am SO proud of him! He received his Bachelors Degree in Business Management, Emphasis in Supply Chain Operations.

Walking across the stage to receive his diploma. The lighting was bad and my camera was acting weird, so this picture is kind of dark.
Pure Happiness!!!

Family picture with Daddy and his diploma. The kids were pretty good during the ceremony, but it was late and they were done, so no smiles from them. Mitch and I both are pretty happy though!
On Saturday I threw Mitch a BIG Graduation BASH! We had lots of family, friends, food and fun! I LOVE these balloons!

His display of graduation memorabilia including the frame that will hold his diploma (when he receives it in the mail in 2-3 months) and his Newel K. Whitney Award.

This is a picture collage that I made for him.
And of course, the yummy cake I made for him! Which, by the way, he did not eat any of because he does not like cake.
We had a great time celebrating this WONDERFUL event in our lives. THANK YOU to everyone who celebrated with us! Now, to find a job...

Visit with Santa!

Santa Claus came to our ward Christmas party last week. I wasn't sure how Kelli was going to react to him, but she was pretty excited while waiting in line! She is such a goof!!

Mitch's Award!

On Tuesday I had the opportunity to attend an Award Ceremony at BYU-I where Mitch was receiving the Newel K. Whitney Award. The Newel K. Whitney Award is in memory of the early church member who used his gifts, talents, and means to build the kingdom of God. Whitney was innovative, frugal, and honest--a true entrepreneur. Additionally, Whitney was able to improve his business yet remain loyal to the church despite hard times. "He was a successful businessman, a presiding bishop of the Church, a prominent civic official, and a notable member of his community." (D. Michael Quinn, "The Newel K. Whitney Family," Ensign, Dec. 1978, 42.)

This award is given to students who have displayed similar traits that Newel K. Whitney possessed. Specifically, students are honored for their character, diligence, and desire to build the Kingdom of God. Selected students are those whom the faculty feel would represent the Church, University, and Department as an exemplary employable quality graduate.

This award was given to only 12 of the 200+ graduates in the Business Management major. To receive this award, Mitch was nominated by at least 2 professors and has an outstanding GPA. I am SO proud of him! He has worked so hard these last 6 1/2 years and it has definitely paid off!

Mitch with Brother Whitesides, who presented Mitch with his award and was one of the professors that nominated him for this award.

Mitch will be graduating on Friday, December 16th!!! Pics of Graduation to come!

Silly Girl

This is how I found Kelli after her nap today...

All I could do was laugh and go grab my camera! I asked, "Where is your shirt, Kelli?"

"Here it is, Mom!"
This little girl cracks me up and I LOVE her!

Tender Moment...Love These Two!

Just had to snap a picture of Michael and Kelli snuggling while watching cartoons. I love tender moments like these...doesn't it just make your heart melt?

Thanksgiving

This year for Thanksgiving we went to my parent's house. My whole family was there and we had GOOD food and great company. We were able to snap a picture with all 6 of the grand-kids.

Halle & Jorie, Brooklyn & Daegan, Michael & Kelli

Happy Birthday, Michael!

This HANDSOME boy is my 4 year old!!! Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday I was holding my brand new baby boy and today he turns 4!!

Michael is such a joy in our home. He is constantly making us laugh with all of the crazy things that he says and does. He is a GREAT big brother to Kelli and she adores him. He is a big help to mom; his favorite being vacuuming!! He loves to go to Primary, but doesn't like to sing the songs. "I just watch everybody else sing, Mom," is what he tells me. He loves to play outside with his kitties. He loves to watch movies and play games. He is such a HAPPY boy and we love him so much

One of Michael's favorite games to play is "Angry Birds" on Daddy's blue phone. Grandma Sandy took him shopping for his birthday and he chose his VERY OWN "Angry Birds" game. He loves it! He also got a larger angry bird from Grandma Decker!

When I asked Michael what kind of cake he wanted for his birthday he kept going back and forth between a Spiderman cake and a zebra cake. We decided to decorate it like Spiderman...

...with zebra stripes on the inside!

The cake was a team effort. I created the zebra stripes and Mitch created Spiderman. I think it turned out pretty darn cute and Michael LOVED it!

Happy 4th Birthday, Michael Jayden!

WE LOVE YOU!!

Halloween 2011

My Handsome Spiderman!

My Sweet Little Ladybug

Daddy with the Kiddos

You Are What You Eat

A couple of weeks ago, it was a very nice day and I had my back door open enjoying the weather. I found a ladybug on my kitchen floor and and called Michael over. He loves to play with ladybugs and he picked it up right away. I remained in the kitchen and he went with the ladybug into the living room to show Kelli. After a few seconds I hear Michael screaming, " Mom, Mom, MOM!! Kelli ATE the ladybug!!!!" I run into the living room in time to see Kelli spitting the little lifeless ladybug into her hand. Have you heard the phrase "You are what you eat"? Well...

...this morning Michael called this Kelli's ladybug dress.

New Members of Our Family

Meet the two newest members of our family, Mickey and Donald (named by Michael). I am a sucker for my children (and husband). Plus, I am really baby hungry and this is the closest I am going to get for a while. I agreed to get ONE kitten, but then we couldn't decide which one to get so we brought them both home.

Donald

Mickey

Michael and Kelli absolutely ADORE them. We have been outside most of the day playing with the kittens. They are still a little timid and getting used to their new home so we have to coax them out from under our deck. And any loud noise or sudden movement (Kelli) scares them right back under the deck. Donald is a little more friendly and brave and lets the kids hold him.

Kelli is definitely an animal lover and reached down and scooped him right up. I am working on teaching her to be soft. :) I fear for the poor kittens when Kelli is around.
Here's to our new adventure. Thanks Grandpa Gerry and Grandma Sue for our new kittens!

Six Years

Six years ago, on a HOT day, I married my best friend and the love of my life. I love you so much, Mitch, and am so grateful that you are mine for ETERNITY! Happy 6th Anniversary!

Michael's New Toy

Michael has been asking us for a bike, so because he is so darn cute and we love him, we bought him one. And he loves it.

Like Father, Like Son

Had a little photo shoot this morning with my two very handsome, very silly boys. I love them both so much! :)