Let it Snow

Holy Snow!!! We had been hoping for a White Christmas and we got it this year. I am not exactly sure when it started snowing Christmas morning but once it started it didn't stop. We were fortunate enough that our power didn't go off but we got a lot of snow. I think overall we ended up with about 21 inches of snow that came within a 24 hour period. It was kind of fun to be snowed in with nowhere to go and nothing to do but open boxes and put toys together.

Merry Christmas 2008

I don't even know where to begin. Christmas was relaxing yet busy for us this year. Yes, I did say "relaxing". We were able to talk everyone into coming to us this year and it was fantastic. There was no running from house to house, mass opening of presents, loading everything in the car, and then running to the next house to start it all over again. We stayed home all day!!! We started out the Christmas festivities with our annual Christmas Eve lunch and movie. We went with my dad-we missed you Joanie-to lunch at Red Robin and then to see "The Tales of Desperaux". Afterwards we ended up at Terra and Clint's house for Christmas Eve dinner. Then on to Christmas. We had Brett's family over for breakfast and then my dad and Joanie joined us for lunch/dinner. The kids were actually able to open their presents and take them out of the box on the same day this year. Because we were snowed in all weekend and because Brett hurt his back we had everyone over again on the day after Christmas for a very competitive game of "Rockband" and leftovers. Today we were finally able to dig out and took the kids to see "Marley and Me." It was a wonderful holiday this year. I love to watch the faces of my kids as they open each of their gifts. It makes all the crazy running from store to store worth it on Christmas morning. I can't help but reflect back and remember how blessed I am with four wonderful children and an amazing husband that makes all of this possible.

Catching Up

I finally broke down and made it to see "Twilight". I don't know why all you crazy people didn't like it-I absolutely loved it. I had to come home and break out the book again because it had been so long since I read it. I didn't love Edward at first but every time he smiled he grew on me more and more. Trevin wants to read the book now so once I am finished I will hand it down and get his impression on it.
I am a total slacker-we took the kids to see Santa at the mall on Friday and I forgot the camera. I refuse to pay $20 for the smallest package so I don't have any pics. Harlee wouldn't sit on his lap anyway. She had death grip on my arm which grew tighter and tighter the closer I got to Santa. Trevin asked for "Rockband", McKade asked for "My Sims Kingdom for the WII" and Brynlee asked for "Baby Alive". They are all super excited about Christmas. We had a rough day today and I threatened to unwrap everything and take it back. Let's see if we can make it another 10 days without having to do that. Merry Christmas!!!

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

Okay so I couldn't resist posting this cute video of Bryn's dance. Enjoy!!!

Winter Show 2008

Tonight was the Winter Show for Bryn's dance studio. Luckily for us Bryn and Erin take dance from the same studio so the whole family got 2 for the price of 1 tonight. I was a little worried because the whole thing had seemed a little disorganized but they pulled it off. I am so proud of my little dancer. I can see her intensity and drive and I hope that she will hold onto that and continue dancing. She leaned over tonight after having stared intensly at the older girls who had just finished and she said, "Mommy, they are so good." I told her that if she kept working on it she could be just as good one day. She looked a little nervous but kept a smile on her face the whole time. She knew all the steps and hung on to the end. We love you Brynlee Hope!!!!

Temple Square

I used to love to make the trip downtown every year to see the Christmas lights. It has been a few years since we have actually gotten out of the car and walked around Temple Square to look at the lights. This year we decided since it didn't quite feel like winter outside yet that we would brave the elements-and the people-and take the kids to see the lights. This year was a little different though. They were in awe of the big statue of Christ in the Visitors Center. McKade was dead set on waiting for the Nativity to start but we really didn't want to stand in the cold for 1/2 hour. They asked questions about the temple and why there were girl Missionaries. We talked to them about the Temple and Joseph Smith. I think this was the first year that I actually appreciated taking my kids out in the cold to see the lights. I know that it's all about "Enjoying the Journey" and thanks to my kids-who teach me something new everyday-so far it's been quite the ride.

Jr. Jazz

It's Jr. Jazz time again. The boys have been looking forward to this all year. McKade is playing on a team with a couple of kids that he knows and Brett is coaching Trevin's team this year. Their first game was Saturday. McKade's level doesn't keep score yet and Trevin's team ended the game with a tie. It seems like they both really enjoyed it and we look forward to a successful season.

Harlee Bug

Here are a few glimpses of what Harlee Bug does with her free time. I just love that crinkled nose grin. I sure love this little girl.

Gingerbread Houses

This year we continued our tradition from last year and decorated Gingerbread Houses. Denice made the gingerbread and constructed the pieces for the houses. I don't know what we would do without her. The kids had a blast. I was working on getting a cold so what I do remember is a little foggy. Shaun helped Trevin, Brett helped McKade, Terra helped Erin and Denice and I assisted Bryn. I think the adults had more fun than the kids. We especially liked eating all the candy. I hope that we are able to continue this fun tradition. This was my favorite part of Christmas time in Elementary School. I think we did this every year. Thanks Denice for putting this together for us.

Black Friday

I did it this year. I actually talked someone into going shopping with me in the wee hours of the morning on Black Friday. Actually I talked 3 someone's into going shopping with me. We were hanging around at Terra's house after Thanksgiving dinner looking at the ads and Denice mentioned that we should go to Park City at midnight. I was in. Brett had already told me that if we could find someone to watch the kids for us that he was in too. Grandma and Pa volunteered to have the kids sleep over at their house that night. Erin wanted in on the fun too so Grandma and Pa ended up with 5 kids that night (thanks for taking all the monkeys for us). We headed home to get the kids pj's and Terra called and decided that she wanted in too. Little did she know that we were ready for an all nighter. We headed to Park City and when we got there I couldn't believe all the people. We headed for the Children's Place where we scored some awesome deals. It was worth the trip for just that one store.
We stayed in Park City until about 1:30 and then headed back down the Canyon. Terra thought we were taking her home but we kept her hostage for the rest of the morning. We headed to Walmart after that not quite sure what we were going to do for the next 3 hours until they opened. We were surprised to see that the store was still open. We walked in the doors and the lady explained to us that we had to find the items we were after and stand next to them until 5:00 am. Lucky for us there were 4 of us so we were able to plan our attack and spread out around the store. I watched the people file into the doors here and there and then at about 4:45 the droves of people came. It was mass chaos when the guy came on the intercom at 4:55 and said "Welcome Walmart customers-Lock and Load". It was so crazy and people were pushing and running. Luckily we all got what we were after-except Denice and we were out of there in an hour. We headed to Target after that and then to Lowe's. By 7:00 am I was exhausted. We dropped everyone off and headed home in hopes of catching a little shut eye before we had to pick the kids up at 10:00. I got about an hour of sleep and then was able to catch another hour in the afternoon. I realized that I am way too old to not get sleep but yes I would do it all over again. Thanks to everyone for being good sports and for going with us. We are already planning on Park City again next year and I can't wait. Whether they like it or not-I am going to make this a new tradition!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving means a lot to me this year because I have a whole lot to be grateful for. I am so grateful that Brett and I are still employed. We were very lucky that this new job came along for Brett so out of the blue back in August. I am so grateful to have a nice warm home. I am so grateful for my wonderful husband who works so hard to support us. I am so grateful for my wonderful kids-who would I be without them? This time of year is a good reminder to me of how many things I do have to be grateful for.
We were able to go to my dad's house on Thanksgiving morning for a yummy breakfast of everything under the sun. My dad and Joanie always go all out on the food and this day was no exception. We had waffles, eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, cinnamon rolls, fruit and orange juice. We ate early in the morning so we could save some room for a Turkey dinner later. I am thankful for my dad and Joanie and for everything that they do for us and the kids. We love you guys.
Later that day we headed over to Terra and Clint's house because they were gracious enough to host dinner for everyone this year. We had a lot of yummy food and good company. We hung out for a while and then decided to go shopping-I will post later about this.
Thank you to everyone in our lives who have been there throughout the year-we are so grateful for you and your love. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Life Goes On

I will admit that I have not yet seen "Twilight" and I think maybe I should boycott it. Everyone went to see it without me so I guess I will just wait until it comes out on video-besides, I heard it wasn't that great anyway.
I am looking forward to Thanksgiving this week and moving a little bit closer to having the boys back in school. Don't get me wrong, I love having them home it just throws a wrinkle into things because we have our normal routines and that seems to get thrown off a bit when they are home all day long. I love that I have two little helpers around the house even though sometimes they are not the most willing. Brynlee and McKade could entertain themselves together for hours and Harlee follows along. She tries her hardest to keep up with them but I can see frustration setting in after a while-on her part. She jumps when Brynlee jumps and sings just as loud. Trevin is quite content to sit on the couch cuddled up in a blanket with a good TV show and his DS. I have to try and limit this and kick them out of the house because the weather has been so nice. This is supposed to be their vacation-right? They still have 25 minutes of reading a day and I try to throw some educational things in here an there but we are only young once and life goes on........

Happy Anniversary

Today Brett and I celebrated 13 years together. I can't believe how time has flown. It seems just like yesterday we were talking about getting married and wondering how we were going to afford rent on our little one bedroom apartment. We have both grown and changed alot in the last 13 years but we have grown together. We have had so many experiences good and bad and I wouldn't change it for anything. Thank you for being an amazing husband, father and my best friend. Thank you for working so hard for our little family so that I can stay home and raise our bunch of monkeys. You guys are the light of my life. Here's to a lifetime of ups and downs, laughter and tears and crazy days and nights. I love you the most!!!!

It's Over

I am happy yet sad to report that there will be no more children to grace the Ruoti Family with their presence. We have taken drastic measures to make sure of this. Whether I thought I was ready for it or not we took the leap and the price has been paid. I won't go into any further details but please mourn with me over Brett's little swimmers.....

Baby It's Cold Outside

Having the kids off track in the winter time is a parents worst nightmare. I have been trying to come up with different but fun things for us to do that don't cost a lot of money. We had plans to go to McDonald's for lunch with Kelly, Tyson and Triston but Kelly wasn't feeling well so the plans changed a little bit. I didn't feel like making lunch but wanted to spice things up a little bit. When I picked up Bryn from school I decided to stop and grab McDonald's for lunch and take it home. I surprised the kids by setting up a picnic downstairs. It's too cold to do it outside but we most certainly can do it inside. I even turned the fireplace on-mostly because I was cold. The kids thought this was the coolest thing. They never get to eat downstairs and especially not on the floor. The smiles on their little faces was pretty much all that I could ask for. It's going to be a long 4 weeks but I am trying to make the best of it.

Please Read

Brett received an email last night. Nick is a pretty good friend of Brett's. They worked together at Qwest and have kept in touch since. This absolutely breaks my heart to read what has happened. I am hoping that posting this on here may bring in some of the donations they desperately need to fill in the gaps where insurance will not.



Cole was born on November 4, 2008 to Nick and Janessa Whatcott. He was 1 month early and weighed 5lb 14 ounces and was 17 inches long. During Janessa's pregnancy they were informed that he would have clubbed feet. They had other tests to see if everything else was fine and they came back showing nothing of concern. After Cole was born they kept him at the hospital because he was not eating on his own and needed help breathing. During the week he was showing improvements and his family was preparing to take him home. Friday night came and the tables turned for sweet Cole, and he had a seizure in the middle of the night. The Dr's quickly performed many tests and found that he had a large mass in the aortic arch of his heart that was cutting off oxygen and blood flow to the left side his of his brain. They discovered that he had this while in the womb and that it had sent little blood clots to his brain causing brain damage before he was ever born. After learning this the doctors transferred him to Primary Children's hospital where specialist could give him the attention he needed. Dr's gave Cole medicine to keep the small valve in his heart open that newborns have during the first week of life and that was how he was getting oxygen to his body. Unfortunately there was nothing Dr's could do to remove the mass or obstruction. Dr's did all they could for Cole and he returned back to his Heavenly Father today, Monday November 10, 2008. We are forever grateful that we were blessed with his sweet spirit and will miss him dearly. Our prayers go out to his parents and their families during this time of sadness. We love you Cole!!
http://colewhatcott.blogspot.com/




The Cole Whatcott Charitable Fund
With such a tradegy as losing their little newborn Cole, not only are they left with a void in their family but with a large medical debt that insurance will not cover. We have set up a fund at America First Credit Union in his name. We are asking anyone who would like to donate to this fund to join us and show Nick and Janessa how much we love them by helping ease them of this debt and burden. Please send donations to P.O. Box 95795 South Jordan, Ut 84095 or directly to any America First Credit Union. We have also set up an online Charitable account for anyone out of state or who would like to donate with a credit card at www.realitycharity.com/colewhatcott. Thanks again for all of your help, prayers, and thoughts. May God Bless.

Trevin Turns 10

Today is Trevin's 10th birthday. I can't believe that it's been 10 years. I still remember vividly the day we walked into the hospital at about 7:30 in the morning. I remember my doctor asking me if I was ready to be a mom today. I have to admit that I was scared out of my mind. After months of wondering Trevin finally decided to come into the world on November 9, 1998. Bringing him home from the hospital was the scariest thing I had ever done. I couldn't believe they had sent me home and entrusted me with this tiny baby. We learned a lot by trial and error and became better people because of it.
I just can't believe that here we are 10 years later. Time has flown by so fast.
I just love this little boy. He is always there when I need a hug and makes sure that I always get a kiss, a hug and an I love you before he walks out the door to school in the morning. He is a wonderful big brother and is always willing to let McKade tag along no matter where he is going.
We celebrated his birthday yesterday with family and a few friends. We kept it small this year and I think everyone was able to enjoy it more. We had a lot of food, a lot of fun, and some cake and ice cream too.
Happy Birthday Trevin, we Love You!!!!

Welcome Winter

This is what I woke up to this morning


This is how the boys felt about it


I don't know if I am quite as excited as they were. To me it means months of being stuck inside and bitter cold. If this winter is anything like last winter then I am a little frightened because it's only November and we have a long road ahead of us.

Happy Halloween

We had a very busy but very fun filled Halloween this year. This was McKade's first year of actually being in school for Halloween because in the past they have always been off track. Because of this I thought it would be fun if I was able to go and help out with his Halloween party. We all went to the parade in the morning and then Denice took Harlee home and Brynlee and Erin stuck around with me to help out with McKade's party. We stopped off at Trevin's class to say hello and then went to McKade's class. The girls were big helpers and behaved themselves while I helped the kids decorate sugar cookies. Who knew that decorating sugar cookies could be so much fun?
We decided to have everyone over to our house for Trick-or-Treating. The kids had a blast running house to house for all the candy. This is the first year we have actually trick-or-treated in the neighborhood and the kids were die hards. Harlee fell asleep in the stroller and at the end Bryn was "Done" but for the most part the kids had a great time. We ended the night with soup, salads, sugar cookies and most of all good company. Thanks to everyone for coming over and bringing food and drinks. We should make it a tradition.

Carving Pumpkins

We decided that since we had grown so many pumpkins we should probably carve them.
Brett didn't want to carve the two biggest and that was probably a good decision. When he cut out the top of the two medium sized ones they were solid pumpkin all the way through. He basically had to carve the inside out before we could carve the outside-if that makes any sense. These pumpkins had no guts. LOL!!! I could just imagine what the inside of the two biggest ones looked like.
This is the first year that the kids really got to participate. McKade thought that scooping out the guts was the best part and eventually Trevin got into the act too. Brynlee wanted to do all the carving and Harlee just wanted to be on someone's lap because she felt like she was missing out on all the action. Denice was gracious enough to bring 4 more pumpkins and come and help. We enjoyed some Cheesy Potato soup and rolls and had quite an enjoyable evening. Happy Halloween!!!