Happy Birthday Dad!!

Mark turned 32 on January 12th!! I had to work that morning and he had to work that night...the story of our lives! Tali and I made him a cake and she woke up and remembered it was his birthday. She sang happy birthday and blew out the candles all while Kenya was still sleeping! I had made another cake and we got some ice cream and went to his work to surprise him at night. He was really shocked that we came to visit him and the girls loved the crazy ride in the oversized wheelchair they got in return!! We love you Dad and hope you had a wonderful birthday!!

Tracy's getting married...

Tracy who was one of my roommates at Dixie is getting married. They had a bridal shower/bachelorette party for her. She ended up with some really nice gifts and I am so happy for her! I wasn't going to go because it was a night Mark was working and you all know how I feel about getting a babysitter so I told Niki and Kelli just to go and tell Tracy I was sorry. Niki calls me and talks me into going and of course taking the girls so we went and had so much fun....that is why I look so beautiful I threw on some clothes and out the door we went! I wish Tracy all the happiness she deserves!!Me, Tracy, Kelli, & Niki

Tali, Me, Tracy, Kelli, Niki & Kenya

Sledding Fun!

We spent some time in Fillmore after Christmas and through the New Year. Tali and Kenya's favorite thing to do was go sledding! Sadie and Taylor are such great helps and old enough to drive the 4 wheeler and pull all the little ones on sleds. They had a blast.

Christmas 2009...

We had a great Christmas and feel blessed. Tali was really excited for Santa this year and Kenya just fed off of Tali's excitement. Mark had to work Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but he was home for a little while Christmas morning to see the girls open their gifts. It is a tradition for us to give the girls new jammies and a new Christmas book to open on Christmas Eve. Here they are in their new jammies....Tali wearing her doctor dress-ups that Santa delivered.
Kenya with her new puppy that barks and whines..

Santa delivers!!

My Dearest Aunt Connie

My dearest Aunt Connie passed away on December 17th. She was my dad's younger sister. She died at the young age of 55. I have really struggled with trying to decide to blog about this or not, but I think writing out my feelings will help me heal and also give me something to look back and read to remember. My mom called me Wednesday, December 16th at work and asked me to go over and check on my Aunt Connie, since no one had been able to get a hold of her all day. After work I ran home and picked up Mark and the girls and we went to visit Aunt Connie. I was not expecting to find what I did. She was completely unresponsive, but breathing. I immediately called 911. I went to the hospital with her and waited for her daughter to get there. Her condition continued to decrease and she passed away in the early morning of the 17th. I am so sad that she had to leave this earth, but I know she is in a much better place. I am sure she had a delightful reunion with her parents! Aunt Connie was such a sweet and giving lady. My dad was here with me the next day, thank goodness! I was so sick, I couldn't stop throwing up, I couldn't sleep, every time I would close my eyes I would see my aunt just the way I found her. I was given a blessing by my dad and Mark and was finally able to get some sleep. We had the funeral services on Monday, December 21st in SLC and then the burial later that day in Holden. The services were really nice and it was a special tribute to a great lady. We will miss you Aunt Connie!

Here are some pictures from the funeral dinner in Holden after the burial services.

Lapuaho Family Christmas Party

We had the Lapuaho family Christmas party on Sunday, December 20th. It was alot of fun. It was really neat this year also because Marks dads younger sister and brother both from New Zealand were here visiting. Marks dads older brother who lives in Sandy also came with his family. Uncle Saia has been sick and we are so blessed to be able to spend this time together as a family. We played a fun white elephant gift game and had a delicious dinner. Unlce Saia
Mino & Uncle Vikilani

Visiting Santa

It has been a tradition every year since Tali was a baby to take the girls and get pictures with Santa. This year we ended up waiting in line for about an hour...but the girls kept themselves entertained. I love every year looking back at their pictures.

Crosland Family Christmas Party

We had our annual Crosland family Christmas party on Sunday December 13th. We had so much fun all being together. We played Christmas bingo and pictionary, had a delicious Christmas dinner, exchanged gifts, played a white elephant gift game, and had a candy cane pinata filled with goodies for the kids! The jolly ole' fellow also paid us a visit and brought gifts for everyone! Tali trying to break open the candy cane pinata
Kenya ready to swing...watch out!

Hailey, Kenya, Joe, & Tali
Kenya & Uncle Shane
Kenya & Grandpa

Kenya & Grandma
Santa & Tali

Such Posers!

Talei is so good to the girls! We love having her over to play. Whatever Talei does Tali has to follow! We are blessed to have such good friends! Kenya just waking up from her nap!

Dixie Roommates!

I LOVE these girls! We were all roommates at Dixie College back in the day! We had a blast meeting up for dinner. We all had stories to share from the good ole' days! I see Niki almost everyday & if I don't see her I am on the phone with her mulitple times throughout the day! I see Kelli pretty regular to...but Tracy I have not seen since Tali was just a baby. Tracy will be getting married in a few weeks and we are so excited for her! I love having such good friends! Niki, Me, Kelli & Tracy

Thanksgiving

I love Thanksgiving, it gives us all a reason to stop and think about all we are thankful for. I for one take many things for granted and don't stop long enough to be thankful and grateful for all that I have. I am thankful for my husband and out two healthy, sassy daughters. I am thankful for our families and for all they do for us. I am thankful for the gospel and for my testimony. I am thankful for friends who are always there for my little family, the list goes on!

This year for Thanksgiving, Mark worked so the girls and I had dinner with Marks family and then Friday after my shopping, the girls and I headed to Fillmore for the weekend. We had Thanksgiving dinner again on Friday!

Even though our team lost on Saturday the girls were cheering loud for the red and white!

On Saturday Santa Claus paid a visit to Fillmore! I took the girls to visit him. Tali was shy but wasn't scared, Kenya on the other hand did not want anything to do with him.