Justin's Baptism

Justin was baptized earlier this month and I have been too busy working to post it. It was a very special day and he was very excited. We even had a couple of practice sessions in the hot tub! Justin was baptized with another little ward friend, so we split the program with the other family. We asked Justin who he would like to speak and he picked his older brother, Zach. I thought for sure I would have to bribe Zach in some way, but he accepted and did a great job! We are so proud of Justin, and he has taken his baptismal covenant seriously. Every night he reads the Baptism book that Grandma Back gave him. Such a big thing for a little guy! Congrats little buddy!

Happy Birthday Hayley!

My children are growing up too fast! Hayley is eleven today, going on 20. She is such a good girl, and helps me out so much! Happy Birthday Hayley! I love you!

Lucky Eight

Today, this guy turned eight. And next Saturday, he gets baptized. Happy Birthday Justin!

2010 Winter Olympics

This is what happens when you watch the Opening Ceremony for the Olympics! Bless their little hearts, they actually sat and watched it for several hours. I guess the end with the singing and talking got a little boring for them. Oh, and those are Tyler's glasses from his valentines party. He's asleep if you can't tell! GO TEAM USA!!!

Holiday Makeover

Room with a ceiling

Finished project

Just before the holidays, I got a job at JetBlue in Reservations. This will be a job from home after 6-7 weeks of training. That meant I would need an office. We had a few options to choose from: use one of the finished rooms in our basement, the office up in Zach's large bonus room, or our front room/piano room. All three had their conflicts. The basement room would be quiet, but out of the way (too far out of the way) and needed carpet still. Zach's room was finished, but if I had a shift at night, it would interfere with his sleep etc. The front room was a good location, but let in too much noise. The ceiling was open to the family room and there is a large arched doorway with no door. We decided to transform the front room, getting rid of the piano (that no longer got used) and the green couches that never fit in this house. My sweet hubby took one week off during Christmas and New Years and this was his vacation...home remodeling! It was a very tedious and at times scary remodel, because we put a ceiling in and a wall on top of that to reach our vaulted ceilings. We just finished this weekend with the walls and still need to put in french doors with a arched window over the top, but it turned out great and we now have more function in a room that never got used.

This One's For You, Sis!

The kids waiting for Santa & "Buddy"

Even Zach sat on Santa's lap!

Aunt Eunice was able to come

Tyler is Joseph and this year, Kris was not the donkey, Brad was the lucky one!

Bryce, Kris and Hayley enjoying the party

Last night, we had the annual Back Family Christmas Party. Usually we have it at one of the aunt's & uncle's houses, but this year, my mom and dad were in charge and held it at their ward house. According to my calculations, I estimate there were about 60+ people there. I made the comment to my siblings and hubby that it was a lot like a ward Christmas party, and I don't like those either! But, this year, it seemed more manageable. Maybe it was the space, maybe it was the fact that you got to eat at a table, maybe it was having my own family including my brothers at the table, maybe it was the absence of the obnoxious songs using the chimes, maybe it was the absence of the individual family talent show. Or maybe all of the above! Needless to say, the program consisted of a guy from my uncle's work who sang several songs, the annual Nativity scene, and the visit from santa...so much better. During the Nativity, my dad came up to me and said, "I sure miss Missie and her family this time of year, " and I agreed. So, I just wanted to wish her and her family a great Christmas and a Happy New Year, and let her know that we were and are thinking about her at this time. Merry Christmas to everyone else as well!

This video is to help her relive some of the party, I know she just loves them!

Also, thanks to my mom and dad for probably the best and most enjoyable Back party ever!

Mystery Solved

Last night, Kris and I left the kids to attend Kris' annual ASPE (American Society of Professional Estimators) Christmas party, where Kris was awarded "Estimator of the Year", a surprise to both of us. Meanwhile, the kids back home were keeping themselves busy making movies. When I left, they were using Zach's friend's camera, but somehow our camera was pulled out. Let me preface this by saying, we bought this camera new in September. It was a Nikon $100 camera. Our cameras are getting cheaper, the more we have to buy. When I got home, I noticed the lens stuck on the camera. Upon interrogating the kids, we narrowed it down to the boys. All got a lecture, then Kris got the idea of checking the memory card. I think we found the guilty one. It looks like an accident, but gosh dangit, I am still mad! No camera, and Christmas is coming soon. Maybe someone will get a broken camera for Christmas!

Watch it here:

www.vimeo.com/7983081

FYI: Upon viewing this video, I heard Tyler say "Oh shiz" (one of his favorite words, that doesn't sound so great!) I apologize if it sounds like a curse, I've tried getting him to say other things. Just to prepare you for the almost profanity!

P.S. This was Justin and Tyler's attempt to make a video like their older brother likes to do with his friends. So good to know what goes on while mom and dad are away. It might be cheaper to start hiring a real babysitter!