MERRY CHRISTMAS!

THE REES'

CHRISTMAS DAY 2007

Today was a good day. Dave ended up getting home in time to watch the kids enjoy Christmas morning. The kids had a great time and I think Santa treated them quite nicely. After the morning chaos I made breakfast with a few new recipes I collected from family and then off to packing for Mexico I went. Needless to say, my Christmas day was far from relaxing. I packed and did laundry from sun up to sun down. I hate to admit it but I had a hard time just enjoying Christmas this year. It was a little lonely on Christmas Eve knowing all of my family was together in Utah and not having Dave home made it a little harder. Hopefully next year will be a little less stressful and that we can sit together as a family and really enjoy the traditions and blessings of the Holiday season.

CHRISTMAS EVE

Tonight didn't go quite as planned. Dave ended up getting called out to go fly and it really kind of put a damper on the Holiday. Luckily my friend Ginger had invited us over for Christmas Eve. It was a good night with good friends, great food, and even a visit from Santa Claus (courtesy of Bro. New). One of the best parts of the night was that the kids went right to bed and gave Mommy an evening full of peace and quiet. I caught up on all of my TVO and called it a night.

CHRISTMAS SUNDAY

With today being the Sunday before Christmas I decided I needed to wake up, get the kids ready, and get to church on time so we wouldn't miss out on any of the Christmas program. We were on time and we did get to listen to the beautiful sounds of the choir and the sweet Christmas story presented. In Young Women's today I had the chance of listening the our wonderful girl's share their own talents and Christmas stories that they had been practicing throughout the month. All in all it was a good day and a great start to a wonderful week ahead.

SUGAR GLIDERS

We took the crazy task of hitting the mall on Friday. It was insane and tested Daddy's patience to the max. The one positive part of the day other than purchasing the Enchanted soundtrack was meeting these little "Play Pets". These little guys (Sugar Gliders) were in the middle of the mall and of course my kids now just have to have one. It's going to take a lot to talk me into this one though. I'll at least think about it. I haven't had a pet in a long time so it's going to be a big change for me when it happens. It will happen though..........one day!

CARSON'S CLASS CHRISTMAS PARTY

Today was Carson's class Christmas party. They had a ton of fun and ate enough sugar to get them through the holidays. Carson has a fun group of kids in his class. It's kind of the "Melting Pot" of second grade. They have a little Indian girl, Chinese girl and boy, a Russian girl, a Greek girl, and a little girl from Guatemala. I think it's pretty neat that Carson gets the chance to learn about other little children from around the world and their different cultures. They celebrated their Christmas party by eating pizza, playing Christmas Bingo, unwrapping candy with gloves on, and sharing gifts with one another. It's off to Christmas break we go, and no school until the New Year. Yippee for Mommy:)!

A GIRL'S NIGHT OUT!

I've heard lots of cute things about Enchanted through family, friends, and fellow bloggers so I decided to take Cara out for a Mommy-Daughter night and finally see this movie. Cara loved it and I have to admit it kept my attention too. Who can complain about watching "McDreamy" for a couple of hours, right? Really though, I thought it was cute and my Mom told me that the actress who plays Giselle is (was?) actually Mormon. WOW, those Mormon's are sure talented. All in all, Cara and I had a good time and I just might have to buy the soundtrack to this one.

PLAYGROUP AT JUMPIN JAX

For playgroup on Monday we decided to let the kids jump their energies away at Jumpin Jax. It's a local play land with lots of bounce houses. The kids had a blast and I don't even think we had any injuries. Cara and Ryleigh have really enjoyed "their girls". One of the girls, Marissa is leaving us tomorrow and heading home to Utah...for good. I'm a tad bit jealous, but I do wish the Cameron family the best!

SUNS VS. CELTICS

THIS WASN'T OUR BEST GAME. THE SCORE WAS 23-14 CELTICS. POOR CARSON PROBABLY SHOT AT LEAST 20 TIMES AND JUST COULDN'T GET ONE BASKET. I REMINDED HIM THAT EVEN THE NBA PLAYERS HAVE NIGHTS LIKE THIS. HE DID GOOD AND ENJOYED HIMSELF AND THAT'S ALL THAT MATTERS.

( I keep forgetting the camera, hopefully I'll have some pics next time.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE

I don't think anyone in history to this day has ever said Happy Birthday to someone as sexy as Marilyn Monroe did to JFK. I know I can't top that one and I definitely don't have the curves to even try......!

Happy Birthday Dave! We wish you were here so we could share your special day with you. We'll definitely celebrate when you get home.

How old are you now? (inside joke-I never seem to get his age right). But...........he is much older than me I do know that for sure:).

I thought the outfits Grandma Shauna bought and the red MaryJane Crocs Grandma MaryAnn bought were so cute that I had to share. Thanks Grandmas, the kids looked very cute and festive today.

A BIG THANKS TO FED EX!

As Dave and I were looking over our financial situation today, I was just so grateful that Dave has a great and reliable job. This is that time of year when I always seem to get a little overwhelmed and find myself scared to balance my checking account. With three birthdays and birthday parties, re-roofing our home, paying for Ryleigh's ER bill, sending two kids to the doctors with Staph infection, getting a rock chip in my car window that needed repair, paying for new brakes, and of course not to mention Christmas, I can't help but be grateful that my husband has a wonderful job and works for a great company. So props to FED EX!!!!!

GRANDPA HAS A LAYOVER IN MEMPHIS

We were lucky enough to get to visit with my Dad last night. He's a pilot for Northwest Airlines and had a short layover in Memphis. We joined him for dinner at Huey's but didn't get much conversation in because of the live band in the background. We went back to his hotel and hung out for a little bit until the front desk asked that my kids settle down. It was a short visit, but it was worth the late night and heartburn we had from eating hamburgers at 9p.m. We'll see you in two weeks Dad.......Then the front desk in Mexico can give us a ring!!!!!

BASKETBALL SEASON BEGINS

Basketball has officially started. We had our first game tonight and actually won. By the looks of how practice and the first half of the game went, I thought there was a pretty slim chance of us winning. The score was 10-12, and just like football Carson made all of the points. He has really been blessed with some athletic abilities. We all know he didn't get that from me. That's one thing I have always wished for was at least one athletic bone in my body. Maybe in my next life! :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARSON!

Carson had a really fun birthday party. He had it at a place called Crossfire Commandos. It's a spy themed party and they get to use their imaginations and play like they're on secret missions. They got to fly from zip lines, get harnessed up and do flips on the trampolines, and get in the big foam pits and go crazy throwing foam at each other. Cara even jumped off the trampolines into the foam pit. You go girl! It was the perfect boy party. The boys got to be crazy and I didn't have to do a thing to control them. The crazier the better. We all had a really good time. I can't believe my first born just turned eight. He's definitely not my baby anymore.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARSON!

ALYSON'S REWARD

I'm so excited. Not only did my sister Alyson comment but my Mom did too. It's funny how that totally made my morning. I promised a reward and here it is Alyson.....Your own personal post by yours truly....me!

(Mom yours is on it's way. I think you both deserve a reward, and Ryan you too. You're not a Hooper but in my eyes you are my immediate family. Mom and Ryan's personal posts to come soon..........)

Alyson, Reiley, and I took a very fun and memorable trip back to NYC. Here's Alyson with the NYC firefighters. You go girl!Alyson with her hubby Greg. Alyson picked a great guy and Greg a great girl.
Alyson and Tanner at her wedding. Alyson looked awesome that night.Alyson with Carson and Ryleigh in West Palm Beach, Florida.


Okay so this is kind of cheesy Alyson, I know- But I decided your reward was to have my own personal post just about you and why it is I love and appreciate you so much. If someone asked me to explain you this is what I would say.......Alyson is a very kind, service giving, hardworking, non-judgemental, smart, and honest gal. She has always provided for her son and has never put her wants before others. She is smart with her money. She never has to have the nicest clothes, house, or toys, to prove anything to those around her. Alyson is a very strong person. Not only physically but mentally. If she wants something she goes for it and doesn't let others get in her way. Alyson is a great aunt. She loves her nieces and nephews like they were her own. She is always willing to help and pays attention to her surroundings and is aware when others need help. She is always the first to donate to a special cause even when she doesn't have the money. Alyson has been given some hard trials in her life and she has learned from her mistakes, overcome them, and come out a stronger woman in the end. I'm so excited for Alyson and her new adventure ahead. With a new marriage and a baby on the way I truly believe she has earned whatever blessings may come to her.

Alyson you are a wonderful sister and I am so lucky to have you.
Love ya, Nicole

HOOPER FAMILY

So once again I'm calling out all of my family members. I have had my blog for about 5 months now and not one post from any of you. So I decided to reward the first person from my immediate family who decides to take 2 minutes to sign in and comment. When it comes down to it, the whole reason I do this is for you. So I need some response. And dangit while you're at it...................Get your own blogs. Don't let this world of technology intimidate you. There you have it family, leave a comment and you will be rewarded!!!!!!!!

(Okay, so did I sound mean enough???)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARAANN!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARAANN!

I decided it would be fun to have the kids decorate their own cupcakes. Mom will be sweeping for days after this one.

Cara was so excited when she opened her present from Grandma Shauna. " Yes, a Dora Vanity set. Just what I wanted".

Here's Cara with Tyler and her girls and of course her crazy brother in the background.

What girl doesn't love a pink princess party? Even I had fun setting it up.

Today was Cara's 4Th Birthday. I can't believe she is already four years old. She has been asking about her birthday for months now. I wanted to have it at a local party place but she insisted on having a Princess party at home. She had 15 of her "girls" over and her prince charming Tyler. We played games, decorated cupcakes, hit the pinata, opened presents, and had cake and ice cream. All in all I think she had a special day and we want to wish her a very Happy Birthday!