Hunting for the perfect Christmas Tree!

Every year after Thanksgiving if we stay at home we go get a Christmas Tree with Layne's family and then eat dinner at the outpost. This year was not any different except I wanted a different kind of tree like the one Ellie is pointing at rather then a big puffy tree.  Well, to say it was an adventure was an understatement. We went up a huge hill where there was tons of snow. Not to mention it was a drop off to the canyon on one side with the side of the hill on the other. I about had a panic attack twice on the way up because Val had Ellie with him and they got stuck a few times. It was scary or seemed scary to a mom who didn't have control of the situation. After a long scary ride up the hill we got to the top and parked. And if you know my husband he will not find a tree on the side of the road he likes to hike to find one. So after 15 minutes of hiking we finally found a sweet, skinny little tree. Thanks to Jake for running in the 1/2 foot snow to find us and help carry Ellie out..  It was a perfect day to get a tree and ended with an even better dinner. Thanks Val for treating us!  

The New and Improved Darrington Family! Adding this year a soon to be brother-in-law (post to come) and a sweet new baby!

Annual Thanksgiving Trap Shoot

Before we went down to the trap shoot Ellie wanted her picture taken in the leaves. She is so cute.

 

Apparently, my hot hubby won that round. Can you tell? He was a little excited!

 

In charge of throwing the clay pigeons. Not that hard it was just done by pushing a button. Fancy machine.  

Back in the leaves on the way home. I just can't help taking pictures of this little lady. It bothers me how fast she is growing up. She sure is alot of fun though!

 

Being thankful...

Thanksgiving is that time of year again where we are show our gratitude for things that we have. I am especially grateful today for my family for my husband and my daughters and the love that they bring to my life. not only was today Thanksgiving its also the 19th month anniversary of losing jayci. It was a perfect day to reflect on the things that I am very grateful for. First and foremost I'm grateful for my husband for the support that he gives to me. for working hard to provide a living for our family for also being my best friend and always being there for me. I'm grateful for my Ellie for the big helper that she is with her baby sister for the light that she brings into my life, for the hugs that she's always willing to give and for being my little companion. I'm grateful for my angel for always looking down on us and for always being able to feel her presence wherever we go she is always there. I'm grateful for Laney and the perfect angel baby that she is for bringing love and happiness back into our home and for always giving us smiles on a bad day. she truly is a miracle in our family.

I'm grateful for our families, both mine and laynes. for the love and support that they always give to us. I wish that I was with my family but I know that they know that my heart was there With them.  I'm grateful for our friends that support us and have always been there for us every step of the way. for the love that they show towards us always willing to lend an hand and be a friend.

I'm especially grateful for my membership in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I'm  grateful for the knowledge that it provides me to know that my family is forever that if I live a life worth living and I do the things that are asked of me and be a good person. I know that I will be with my daughter again and that I can be with my family forever. I'm grateful for the Savior for his atoning sacrifice for us that we can be forgiven for our sins. That we all have potential to be with him again. I'm also grateful for The opportunity I have to be a mother, to serve others and to have good examples In my life.  During this holiday season always remember to tell your family that you love them and give thanks for all that you have.

Chubby Chipmunk Baby

I love how her cheeks are filling out and she looks like a chipmunk. We sure love this little lady and don't know what we did the last year without her. She sure has brought a sweet peace to our home.  Love you baby girl!
 

 

 

Super Kid

Even thought Ellie's birthday was a week ago we had to wait to do "super kid" because others had birthdays around the same time she did. In their class they can only handle one at a time that way they all get to be special for the whole day.  They get to take show and tail and treats. So we made cupcakes and she took her Justin beiber picture and her baby kitty that she sleeps with along with pictures of our family and her horse.  She had a great day and wore her hat with pride.  She is quite the gal. With quite the little sass of personality to go with it!
 

 

 

 

Rub a Dub Dub, my Babes in the Tub

11/12/12
Ellie has been dying to take a bath with Laney so I finally gave in and let her. They both really needed a bath and Dad was there to help so she got her wish and had a bath with Laney. Laney like her sisters has followed right in suit and LOVES the water. When I put her in all by her self in her plastic tub she kicks and kicks and tries to put her face in the water and lick it. I love that it's something that they all share.  Some may think that it's bitter sweet but I love it and will embrace every second of it.
 

Staring at her Big Sister Jayci!

When we eat dinner we set Laney on the floor next to the table on the floor. This particular night she could not keep her eyes off of her sister. I don't know how many times I feel like she just sits and chats with her. It amazes me how she knows exactly where she is too. Where ever she is sitting she'll turn her head and find her. Sometimes she sits in her bouncy chair and just goos and gaws for always looking up at her birdies. I swear she is looking right past them playing with her sister. Wouldn't it just be nice to see them interact with eachother just once? I love all of my girls and know that I may not "see" them together I know they are here together!
 

Amanda the Drama Queen

Layne's little sister was in a play a few weeks ago. It was really cute and she did a fantastic job. My girls loved it! They are pretty proud of their Aunt Da. She is quite the little actress!!!
 

 

 

 

 

Always together, Never to far apart!!!

 

Best Buddies

11/7/2012
Kenna had to go somewhere this day so she asked me to pick her big kids up from school and have them for a few hours. I of course said sure since Ellie loves them and they get along great with Ellie.  Jaylee is the best to play with Ellie and Rigdon is just a good kid. These kiddos have a speical place in my heart and I just adore them. Not to mention they were angels while they were with me. I know their Mom would beg to differ when they are home since they torture eachother (their siblings its suppose to happen) but they were so good with Us. I would take them any time. Thanks kiddos for being such good kids!
 

 

 

Day after Party

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Sunday, we went over to Teresa and Val's to have cake and ice cream with the rest of the family. She had lots of visitors come and have treats with her. But before everyone got them grandpa promised her a horsey ride. They rode for a good 2 hours. She never complains about being sore and chats grandpa's ear off the whole time.  I love that Ellie has something in common with her grandpa. She has always loved going over to Nana and Papa's but can't really do what grandpa does. So getting a horse has been the best thing for these two. Now that she is older she can go with him and have a great time. Nothing is better then driving by and seeing my little Ellie chatting a hundred miles and hour at her grandpa val and seeing his face lit up with love listening to her.  She is very lucky to have such great grandparents near and far. 
After the ride we had cake and ice cream and visited with everyone there. Even Uncle Matt and Aunt Jess came down. I'm so lucky to have one of my five siblings that lives near. It's fantastic!!!