The Sims Story

A new season and a hike up the mountain.

2011-09-06T07:13:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't blogged for a long time. We had a crazy summer (mostly hanging out with the kids at home). Back in April I was feeling a little burnt out. Kids, diabetes, running around like a chicken with my head cut off...it will wear a girl out these days. So, I took a break from the blog.

But, I am back! The seasons are changing and fall is in the air. The kids are back in school and we have a new routine. I am feeling a little more refreshed and ready for the change of pace (thank God for the seasons).

Instead of filling you in on the whole summer I will start off with the new...

Sunday we went on a hike. This wasn't just a little hike. We climbed a BIG mountain...Mt. Timpanogus. Honestly, I didn't realize what I was getting myself into until after we finished.

For those of you unfamiliar, this mountain is 11,749 feet in elevation and the hike is 14 miles roundtrip. I didn't know...and I live here.

We started out at 7:15am. I was a little annoyed that we were starting so early, but did I mentioned that I didn't realize what I was about to do...hike all day! So, here I am with Jerry and Dalton ready to go!

It was a crisp 46 degrees, Not too cold once we started to hike.

It didn't take long for us to warm up and take off the jackets.

It looks like springtime in the mountains. The wildflowers are in full bloom. The pictures don't do it justice...blankets of colorful flowers!

And, still a little snow and ice.

We had to hike across a ravine here. Once we crossed over and looked back, we realized the fall was about 10 feet down. Made us a little nervous to think what could have happened if we had slipped through the ice. Not good, but we made it safe and sound.

This was my favorite flower, the Indian paintbrush.

Up, up, up we went.

The views were amazing!

Beyond the flowers you can see our destination. We are about 2 1/2 hours from the top here.

This is a great view of my butt heading to the top of the mountain....Derek......

Over the meadow and up the rocks we climbed! We made it...to the saddle. From here I felt like we were on top of the world over looking Utah Lake and beyond....

And our fearless group...

Carl...

Lynsie and Jay...

Jerry and Dalton...

But, we were an hour from the top of Timp (by now we had been hiking for 5 hours 10 minutes).

I finally realized what I was in for and I was climbing to the top of a freaking mountain!

After soaking up the view for a minute we continued our climb...

Up, up, up...all rock at this point.

I made it! 6 hours 10 minutes to the top.

I am afraid of heights, so this was...scary. There is only about 5 feet of rocky and unstable mountain top. We sat down and enjoyed the view.

We were on top of the world! I swear I could see all of Utah from up there.

Jerry had to show off his climbing skills! He is an excellent hiker!

I realized today how much I really missed hiking, the outdoors and the wonderful place we live. I haven't done this much since the kids were born.

I enjoyed the flowers!

I enjoyed all the sweet smells!

We ran into this little fella in a meadow toward the bottom.

So.....11 hours 10 minutes later, I realized what I had just accomplished. I hike a mountain today!

It was beautiful! Life changing perhaps. It made me more thankful...I am thankful for my strong body that carried me up and down the mountain. I am thankful for the beautiful mountain we climbed and the amazing things we saw on our trek. And, I am thankful for the awesome people that shared this experience with me. It was amazing!!!!

Vacations over! SLC 1/2 Marathon.

2011-04-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

Well...I am back on-line...I think...for today anyway!

Last weekend I completed my goal to run another race! I ran the Salt Lake City half marathon. My personal best! 2 hours 2 minutes!

It was not without a few obstacles to get me through the race, but I did it! I never want to hear "I can't..." because I know if something is important to you....you can...!!!!! I did!!!!

I began my training for this race in February. I joined a running clinic led by two fearless trainers, Angela and Rachel.

Before I start this years journey I have to take you back in time a little....last year I did the same training and I TRANSFORMED! I learned how to eat better to fuel my run, lost a little fat, gained a little muscle and A LOT of confidence.

Back to now....I started my training feeling a little fatter, not as strong and a lot less confident. Through the past 8 weeks I trained with my wonderful trainers and a great group of runners, including my dear friend Jolie. (Jolie was not able to run with me because of some injuries. She is recovering and will be back...she is amazing!!!)

2 weeks before race day our little family packed up and went to Hawaii for spring break. I was a little nervous about ruining all my hard work with a vacation in the middle of training, but I wasn't going to miss Hawaii. While in Hawaii I ran, but our 3rd day into the trip I started to retain some water. Each day the water retention continued....6 days into my trip and a week away from the race I wasn't sure I would be able to run. Feeling weighed down, not able to run and very discouraged I decided to give up on my race.

We came home and I stepped on the scale. EEEEKKKK! I was up 7lbs. I was freaking out. I tried to be good on vacation, eating well and keeping my adult beverages to a minimum. What was wrong!!!! I was advised to take a water pill. Thank goodness it worked and I was back down to normal.

By now I was only 2 days away from the race, but still feeling a little sick. My trainers encouraged me to run. It wasn't until last minute I signed up to run! I wasn't going to let my training go to waste.

RACE DAY...I woke up feeling really tired, but ready to run. I tested my blood sugar that morning and it was high. I figured I was having race day nerves. After breakfast I was getting ready and to go and still didn't feel right. Checked my sugar again....WOW....even higher! After a little investigation I realized my insulin pump wasn't working. I only had an hour and a half before my big run. I didn't know if I was going to be able to make the race....without my pump I was in trouble!

20 MINUTES BEFORE THE RACE...I fixed my pump and blood sugars started to go down. I was safe to run, but new I would be battling this through the race. It was tough...I felt sluggish...maybe still a little toxic from my vacation, but I did it!!!!

OK, so I am up a few pounds from last year and I didn't stay as true to my training routine as I would have liked, but I wanted to know if I still had it in me to run. The obstacles before me made it tough. Having a chronic illness makes me feel weak...but, I proved to myself I can still do it! Life is beautiful!!!!

Bolgging vacation!

2011-03-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

This is not a post to let you know I am not home, so come rob my house. I am home, but busy doing other things.

I haven't made anytime for blogging the last few weeks and I feel guilty. I thought I would let my readers know that I am taking a little blogging vacation. I will let you know when I am back on-line!

Live eats!

2011-03-01T08:48:00.000-08:00

I was so inspired the other day after eating at Omar's Rawtopia! I thought to myself...I can do this! Live food makes me feel so good!

I googled eating live food and came up with some really great stuff. This particular website I found has recipes from across the board, including some of the things I saw on the menu the other day. I was surprised to find that many of things I needed for the recipes were already in my kitchen! Yeah!

I already told you we are not going become vegan anytime soon, but I am going to try and prepare my food this way a little more often. Folks! It is easy! Just as easy as opening that processed box of mac and cheese or opening the can of processed soup...well, you get the idea. It only takes 5-10 minutes to throw together a live meal vs. a dead something or other preserved to sit on my cupboard shelf for years!

I made these yummy stuffed mushrooms to pair with my salmon last night for dinner. I made them in the afternoon. Although I don't have a dehydrator, I put them in a low oven for a couple of hours. They were ready at dinner!

Stuffed Mushrooms

1/3 C pine nuts

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/3 C fresh cilantro, packed leaves, chopped

1/3 C fresh basil, packed leaves, chopped

1 T lemon juice

1 C tomato, chopped

2 T Braggs or to taste

Put all ingredients into a food processor, except the tomatoes, and pulse chop several times. Stop to scrape down the sides and repeat. Add the tomatoes and continue to pulse chop until just blended. Keep a texture to apesto, it should not be a puree. Remove stems from mushrooms and stuff the filling into the cap of the mushroom. Place on a dehydrator sheet and dehydrate at 105 degrees for 2-4 hours.

Most of this food can be made ahead of time and put in the fridge for later. I have cleaned up my diet a bit in the last couple of weeks to prepare for the spring training...

So good! So easy!

I encourage you to give it a try. It makes you feel alive!

FEAR! or Fear not...

2011-03-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

The Morning She Awoke

“I can’t keep up with you,” the apparition whispered

And the girl kept running.

Her hamstrings pushed to full on speed and she was not about to stop now.

“I can’t catch you.” The apparition whispered

The girl ran fast as she could.

Then the darkness got even darker and she could not see any light ahead.

She couldn’t see her hands in front of her.

She couldn’t see anything.

“I got you.” The apparition said.

The alarm clock sounded and the girl awoke in a cold sweat

Never had the sun looked so beautiful shining through her sheer pink curtains.

“I am awake!” The girl shouted.

She walked to her window and pulled open the blinds and opened the window.

I am awake she said the trees.

I am awake she said to the birds singing in the trees.

Nothing responded to her noticing.

Except one little black bird.

To the girl, the bird seemed to sing just a little louder.

There, she thought, someone is celebrating this moment with me.

~Camellita M Brown

The Morning She Awoke is a metaphysical poem about fear.

I gave into my fear. I feared that I could not keep up a strong and healthy body. I have reverted back to some of my old ways. I am in good shape, but I have been letting my diabetes control me. (Mentally exhausting!!!)

As a diabetic, I want to be strong and healthy (in my body and my mind)!!! I want to set a good example for my young girls.

(my new shoes! yeah!!!)

Spring training starts today! What am I training for you ask? Well, LIFE really.
I am letting go of my fear!
Last year I joined a running group to prepare for a marathon. With GRATITUDE, I completed the training and the race, but find myself a year later starting over. I know what it felt like to be on top of my game...MIND, BODY, and SOUL.

I am training again for another race. Call me "INSANE" if you must, but it is not about the running as much as the experience.

~I am doing it for me

~I am doing it for my good health

~I am doing it because I am thankful for this wonderful body, the only one I will ever get, to carry me through the journey of life

Spring is the time for new life!

LET THE TRAINING BEGIN!

Happiness

2011-02-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

True happiness lies in that which never comes nor goes,

but simply is.

~ unknown

(was on the tag of my tea bag today)

Ryann's ski day.

2011-02-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

A week ago today Ryann skied for the first time.

The lesson started inside.

They learned how to step into the skies...

and walk in a circle making A's (a.k.a. pizza) and H's (a.k.a. french fries) with the skies.

Then it was off to the slops!

Ryann, all geared up, found it difficult to eat the snow. One of Ryann's favorite things to do, to taste, her experiences. 3-year-olds lick everything!!!!

Her first time down the mountain was a challenge. She was attached to the instructor, literally, Ryann's ski clip was hooked on to the teachers ski so she could get the feeling of her feet.

With assistance, she successfully loaded on the lift for ride #2.

What a big girl!

The video didn't load (BLOGGER!!!!!) of her trip down, but she looked like a champ! It made her wore her out.

Ryann and Derek made snow angels to complete the run.

Ryann had to model Derek's goggles and helmet in the lodge.

We all enjoyed a little apre ski beverage after the lesson.

My poor kids had never had nachos before!... SO, we ordered the nachos. It was a fantastic ski day for the Sims. We are now a complete skiing (Derek is a boarder) family. Yeah!!!

Germs are everywhere!

2011-02-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

Grace's class did a fine job with their science fair this year. She welcomed the parents to the class and was the first to introduce us to their class experiments.

(sorry my video wouldn't upload)

They told us all about GERMS, how they spread and how germs can make us all sick.

Grace drew the germs displayed here....

They divided the class into groups to determine the best way to kill the germs...

~hand washing with water only

~hand washing with soap and water

~hand sanitizer

~nothing at all (dirty)

Grace was in the group of hand sanitizer. Her petri-dish had one big yellow spot. The group with the most spots...HAND SANITIZER (dirty) and dirty hands (dirtier).

Hypothesis: The best way to kill germs is washing with soap and water!

(DUH!!!)

These first graders are very smart! Good job Gracie!

Eat LIVE!

2011-02-24T20:23:00.000-08:00

I tried a new place for lunch and it was fantastic!!!!! Well, it is new to me. It has been around a few years....

OMAR'S RAWTOPIA

Omar's menu reads,

"Peace Through Food".

I can honestly say, "YES!"

I had the bean burrito.

I know that doesn't look like your typical bean burrito. It is the Vegan version: "beans consist of a puree of Tahini and sunflower seeds mixed with Mexican herbs and spices. Topped with macadamia nut sour cream, sprouts, and served wrapped in collard greens, or with crackers, lettuce, cabbage, and love."

DELICIOUS!

I love that every menu item includes "love". How come I have never been here before!!!

If you are too lazy to click on the link above, I will tell you this is the only raw food restaurant in Utah. Everything prepared is living and organic plant food. All made with love and energy to heal the mind, body, and spirit.

Ryann had the Raw pasta (no pasta included). Just fresh veggies, nuts, and love!

And, yes...she ate it! Rich can testify.

Rich had the Sweet Basil Salad. YUMMY!

I don't plan on becoming a vegan, but was really happy to see many of the ingredients on the menu have made their way into my kitchen!

I love live food!

Funny today I clinked on one of the fitness blogs I follow and the article reads,

Reconnecting with food.

I connected with my lunch today. Perfect timing too. Spring training starts next week and I need to get back to live energy to get me in the running spirit!

Ryann's new shades.

2011-02-24T19:39:00.000-08:00

Hehe...well, the glasses didn't last long, but she looked so darn cute.

Ryann had her first eye appointment today. They had to dilate her eyes. She handled it well. Her geneticist recommended this as part of the routine check-ups related to her NF1. She has great eyes! Maybe a little more far-sighted on the right, but great report from the doc. No signs of spots.

Ryann is a beautiful little girl. She is a typical 3-year-old with a very sweet spirit! Along with a clean bill of health from her docs, she is doing fantastic in school. I received a winter report card today with high marks from her teachers.

I am so proud of my little RY.

Coming soon....

2011-02-24T05:38:00.000-08:00

This week has been so busy, but I wanted to let you know where I have been. I have a lot of pictures of both events here and will share as soon as I can sit down long enough to organize them.

We took Ryann skiing for her first time weekend last weekend. She did awesome!!!

Grace's class shared their science fair experiments with us yesterday! Kids are so smart!!!

After a crazy week of running, running, running (Derek is traveling and I am single mom this week) I am feeling a little tired and unbalanced.

I sat down for a cup of tea last night and this quote was on my tea bag...

One of the best actions we can take, with courage, is to relax.

SO glad tomorrow is Friday!

Don't eat the play-doh!

2011-02-17T21:52:00.000-08:00

Ryann loves play-doh!!!!

Ryann loves to eat play-doh!!!!

No more play-doh :-(

(Sorry Grandmas and Grandpas. I decided when Ryann was running into her closet to hide and eat the play-doh, it had to go.)

Don't judge a soup by it's color...

2011-02-17T21:29:00.000-08:00

So... I realized after months (about 4) of holidays, entertaining, vacation and the day to day blah blah it is time to clean up my diet again. Spring training (running camp) starts next week and I can't get through it if I don't straighten up. As a type 1 diabetic I can't get through the day if I don't make wise food choices.

Today was great! So great in fact I had to share my food with you.

This was dinner! Ok, so not a flattering picture of the Greens + Beans Soup. My brown bowl and orange placemat didn't set if off well, but this veggie packed blend will do a body good. Broccoli, carrots, red pepper, kale and navy beans!!!! Yummy!!!!

You can check out the recipe at the link above. I added an extra clove of garlic, 1/2 a sweet onion, and 4 cups of broth instead of 2. I also choose fresh kale over the frozen variety the recipe called for.

Instead of grilled cheese on the side I had a small, sprouted grain tortilla with tahini and goat cheese. mmmmmmm!

I am really enjoying the foody blogs like Kat Eats Real food, with all the healthy stuff and I am getting more creative with my food. I don't plan on starting my own food blog, but am happy to spread a good recipe around.

I told you about dinner, and this was lunch!

This one I came up with on my own. Don't knock it til you try it!

1/2 c of fresh spinach

1 sm sweet potato (baked)

4 oz. ground chicken breast (browned, seasoned with chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, pepper, garlic oregano-all to taste)

drizzled with agava nectar

drizzled with balsamic vinegar

sprinkled with coconut (unsweetened)

That is a bowl full of energy!

I started my day off with some homemade steel cut oats! I added a little cocoa powder, agave, pecans (to taste), flax seed, and a little protein powder! I didn't think to take a picture, but you all know what oatmeal looks like.

I am realizing the flavor in my cupboards. It is amazing how easy it is to spice up whole foods. After a day of clean eating I already feel better. Hopefully it will pull me out of the winter funk and get me ready for spring!

Positive words mean everything!

2011-02-17T18:18:00.000-08:00

Listen to the MUSTN'TS,

child,

listen to the don'ts-

listen to the shouldn'ts,

the impossibilities,

the wont's-

listen to the never haves,

Then listen close to me.

Anything can happen,

child.

ANYTHING can be.

-Shel Silberstein

Christmas in February.

2011-02-16T21:54:00.000-08:00

Before I continue I have to say sorry for not being much in the blogging mood lately. I have had company....YEAH!...but, I am worn out from entertaining, cleaning and the day to day grind... love ya though!

Anyway...last weekend Derek's parents popped in for a quick visit. We didn't get to see them over the holidays and the weather finally let up enough they could make the trip from Colorado.

We had a nice couple of days as they mostly watched me run the kids around to their usual school and activities.

They brought some belated Christmas presents too!

The girls loved their new personalized bath towels!

Notice the look on Ryann's face here....PRESENTS! AHHHH! Doesn't matter if it is December or February! Presents are always good.

I had to try out my new chapstick right away!

And the biggest hit... the "cloppers" a.k.a snowball makers.

They work great and we had just enough snow to try them out!

After all of our company left Saturday, the girls and I enjoyed some girl time while Derek skied. We broke out the pedicure kit (another gift from Grandma and Grandpa), cleaned our feet and painted our toe nails!

Nothing like a little quiet time with my girls.

Give me a few more weeks to recover from skiing and company and I will be ready for another round!

A little history...

2011-02-09T21:37:00.000-08:00

My family is a big part of Park City history. The sign behind Derek, "WILLY'S RUN" at Park City Mountain Resort is named after my Grandfather, Willy Murnin.

My Grandfather excavated many of the runs at Park City on a back-ho. Apparently he rolled the back-ho and almost lost his life, so they named a run after him.

(That's my Grandpa Will 1926-1995)

In March of 1985, Park City Ski Area held its first World Cup ski race on Willy's run. It was also host the Men's Giant Slalom during the 2002 Winter Olympics.

He was not a skier, but a minor. His family homesteaded in PC from Ireland. It is a nice reminder of my great heritage to see "Willy's" when I visit my home town and a huge honor to be part of the history in such a beautiful place.

Ski week in Utah!

2011-02-07T13:22:00.000-08:00

Last week we had a stay-cation at home with friends from New York. That is why you haven't heard from me in a week.

We had the best week and I kept my guests very busy!

The first ski day was Brighton (no pics). Day #2, Solitude! Fantastic, fresh powder! The lady on the right is Kathy. She is my friend Rich's sister. Rich had heart surgery a couple weeks ago (and he is doing great BTW). Kathy came out to help him while he recovers and she snuck out on the slopes with us for a day.

Who is that masked man?

Mark, our friend from Long Island.

Uncle Keith was in town for the World Championship ski events at Deer Valley. We caught some runs with him and our childhood friend Teveka. Was so great to catch up with everyone!

Derek used this opp to get some new bindings for his snowboard. Ethan supervised as he installed the new gems.

Derek and I took the NYC boys out on the town several nights!

We helped Jolie celebrate the big 4-0 and Paula the big 3-6! You girls look gorgeous!

We had so much fun! I thought this was a cute pic of Jolie and I in the midst of laughter. Who knows what was so funny....

Me with my girl, Noelle! So beautiful!

Grace went to Deer Valley with Uncle Keith. She said it was the best day of her life!

These are just a few of the gazillion pictures we took through out the week and I am still gathering pics from everyone. I thought it was important you knew I was still alive! SO, this is what we have been up to.

My new room...again!

2011-01-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

So, after Christmas I thought I would find some new furniture to finish off my sitting room. Well, no luck!

I have out of town guest coming to ski next week and needed to get things in order, so...I found these!

I had to rearrange the furniture again, but I think it worked out perfectly!

I used a table from another room to put in frot of the window and added this little plate to accent the dresser by the front door. It really tied the room together! I may still be looking for an area rug, but for now my tea/wine room is complete! And, I have a great view out of my front window!

I'm back...Ryann update.

2011-01-27T21:01:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have been away! No excuses really, just busy with the kids, D's travels, and life. No time for blogging.

Missed ya!

Update on Ryann's mole....it was normal, thank goodness. They also removed a little cyst. It was a plexiform neurofibroma. I would rather not get into the details of this one right now. Ryann is doing great!

In fact...I thought I would post a little something she played on her new harmonica!

Check her out on you tube: Ryann on the harmonica! And here are a few of her lastest moves from her gym class. I am very proud of how far she has come there! We start a new semester this week.

Way to go my little "Rye"!

A warm scarfie.

2011-01-11T07:41:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things....

I bought this scarf from my friend Terrilee. She is a wonderful message therapist and has started making these HOT beauties!

I LOVE IT! The scarf has natural fillers that heats up and stays warm for about 30 minutes. I wear it all the time to keep my neck warm. I throw it in the microwave for 1 minute...instant heat all the way to my toes. I wear it in the car, to the store, to shovel snow, to drink my tea....you name it and I am wearing it. It keeps me so warm! Heat just makes us feel better!

You can check out all her products at www.heathealth.com. (I understand these scarfs are not on her website, but still available, just need to let Terrilee know.)

If you are looking for a unique baby gift they have the cutest little "Teddy Warmers"!

A few of recieved a scarf from me for Christmas. If you aren't using it....START!

Brave little patient!

2011-01-07T20:01:00.000-08:00

Happy to say the mole is gone!

Ryann was a brave little patient.

She made herself right at home in the hospital.

Ryann was patient while they took her vitals...

And was eager to give her new friend "Brenley"a quick check up before they took Ryann to the o.r.

I stayed by her side until she was asleep, but did not stay for the surgery. It was a little unnerving to watch her go to sleep...kind of like watching an alien invade her little body.

She was having some discomfort when she woke up and wanted no part of the little i.v. in her hand. But, I was there to hold her until she came too.

The procedure took less then an hour. She was starving and quickly downed a bag of cheetos in recovery!

Tonight she doesn't seem to be bothered by the little stitches in her head. Hoping for a quiet night and a quick recovery!

Good-bye moley!

2011-01-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

My sweet little Ryann has to go in for a little surgery today to remove a mole on the side of her head. It is not life threatening, but because of her age it will be better gone. They also have to put her under anesthesia so she doesn't wiggle around. Ya know how 3-year-olds like to sit still for a nano second! Imagine that with a scalpel coming at your head! Anyway....

Say a little prayer!

Let ya know how she's doing. (It will probably be harder on me then her!)

START....

2011-01-06T14:01:00.000-08:00

I try not to set resolutions for the new year. They just get broken and then I am disapointed in myself. I try to do MY best and live well.

Today I opened my Title Nine clothing magazine and it hit me! START....

One word to live by....loved the authors motto so much, I wanted to share. The beauty if this word, you can apply it to anything!

Start: Something

Stop: worrying

Start: Living

Stop: waiting

Start: Exercising

Stop: dieting

Start: Trails

Stop: treadmills

Start: NOW

Stop: procrastinating

Start: Breathing

Stop: smoking

Start: Doing

Stop: planning

Start: Simple

Stop: complicated

START, Just START!

Missy Park, Founder of Title Nine

I am going to START tonight. Going to a group meditation with my personal trainer. I haven't done this before, but am excited about the experience.

(It's not just about excercise....it is a state of mind! START with what makes you happy!)

My new word....START!

Grace's photo shoot.

2011-01-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when I download the pics off our camera I don't know what I am going to get....

ALVIN!!!!!!

The Chipettes...

Miscellaneous christmas tree ornaments...

Pillow pets...

The lady bug...

The bumble bee...

Ryann smoking a flash light....

Grace and the pillow pets...

And the many faces of Grace...

Who knew she was having a standoff with the pillow pets? I sure didn't!

Ringing in the New Year!

2011-01-03T23:45:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone!

Ok, so I am a few days late...remember I am still cleaning up Christmas.

But, I wanted to tell ya we ate the night away!

And, had some wine. This was the point of the night I had lost my glass and figured I could just drink it from the bottle. That is not a huge nipple on the end either (get your mind out of the gutter)! It is a wine aerator. Made for a messy pour down the front of my shirt, but I was thirsty.

We played games with our friends Randy and Jolie while all the kids played games downstairs. Sorry their are no pics, but I was busy drinking and eating...

Now don't panic! That is not a real gun!

Derek wanted to make a little noise at midnight so he brought out the paint ball gun and they shot up the snow with air. It was noisy all right. Maybe Derek is a little bit of a hill billy! Anyway...

nobody got hurt and it was a blast.

I did manage to get one picture of Jolie and Jax before they snuck out the door!

Hope everyone had a great holiday.

May 2011 bring you lots of peace, love, happiness and money!