Show and Tell

Last week was Red Ribbon Week at Spencer's school. We thought it would be fun to bring in Jimmy's drug dog for show and tell. The kids were thrilled to have a dog at school. Jimmy talked to the kids about Lenny and how he was a working dog. After a brief discussion he did a demonstration. He picked me and 3 kids from the class and had us stand in a line (what was unknown to the kids was that he placed a rag scented with drugs in my pocket). Lenny sniffed all the kids and when he smelled me he sat to indicate he found the "drugs" (or in this case the rag). He is quite an amazing dog. We have had fun playing with him over the weekend. It was cool to share a part of Jimmy's job with Spencer's class.

Party of the Century

For Trenton's 5 year old birthday we threw him a HUGE party! We invited 18 friends but only 17 were able to attend (are we crazy!). We scheduled out the Stake Center for the party. The theme of the party was Sports. I printed off 5 different sports that Trenton likes. Each picture was taped around the gym and corresponded with a game we would play. All the kids sat in the middle of the gym, then I would ask questions like "This is a sport that you play with a ball and you have to wear pads and a helmet". When the kids guessed football they would have to find the picture of the football and run to it. Then we would play the game. The games were Set, Set, Hike (duck, duck, goose), 12 Dribble - Slam Dunk (12 o'clock midnight), Red light, Green Light - Home-run, Goal (soccer), and Skateboard Attack (shark attack). I had to make up cute names to go along with the theme! :) The kids had a lot of fun playing games, and I was surprised that they listened really well - so it wasn't to wild and crazy.

After games we ate pizza and soda and opened presents. I'll tell you what, 17 friends equals 17 gifts - Trenton hit the jackpot! It was almost overwhelming! He was so excited though. He has some very generous friends.

Instead of cake we had donuts, because Trenton LOVES donuts. Then all the kids sang Happy Birthday (while Trenton danced for us - oh brother!). Then it was time to go home. Whew! We survived - thank goodness for Ibuprofen. :) It really was a fun birthday party. I was so grateful we were able to use the church. (17 kids in my house - could you imagine!)

Trenton's Birthday

This year was a big Birthday for Trenton. He turned 5 years old! The day of his birthday was jammed packed. There was so much going on. He was so excited he was up bright and early to open presents before Jimmy left for work.

Trenton asked me to make a football cake because he loves to play football and wear his BYU football costume.

After breakfast it was time for preschool. His class was taking a field trip to the Dinosaur museum. What a special treat for his birthday! I accompanied the class to help out the teacher and to be with Trenton on his special day. The dinosaur museum is always fun!

After school I took the other boys to Grandpa Steve so I could have a date with Trenton. We decided to go miniature golfing. It was a lot of fun even though at first Trenton was nervous of it being so dark. But I thought the "Cosmic Golfing" was pretty cool! Both Trenton and I got a hole in one. Trenton was so proud! He was funny because at every hole he would just hit the ball once then pick it up and put it in the hole, so when he got the hole in one he was shocked!

After golfing we went back to the Grandparents home and opened gifts. Trenton was excited about all the fun presents. He is showing a lot of interest in video games and playing Webkins on the computer. He also likes to go sledding and wants to learn how to snowboard. He was spoiled rotten - but isn't that what is supposed to happen on your birthday?

For dinner that night we decided to go to Pirate Island - a new themed restaurant in Orem. The atmosphere of the restaurant is amazing, but the food mediocre. Our waiter was dressed up like Captain Jack from Pirates of the Caribbean. He stayed in character the entire night! There is also an arcade at the restaurant so the kids had a blast playing there. It really is a fun place to go.

After dinner we had cake and ice cream. Whoa! What a fun filled day.

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY TRENTON! We love you a bushel and a peck!

Our Christmas Newsletter 2009

Happy Holidays from the Garrett’s

Jimmy – Still works for the Dept. of Corrections as a Sergeant on SWAT. Hobbies include hunting, Frisbee golf, surfing, and playing football with the kids. Coached Spencer’s soccer team this year. Enjoys Facebook and playing Farkle. Had fun visiting his hometown in Florida and seeing some old friends there.

Laurel- Is a stay at home mom. Hobbies include reading and exercise. Enjoys her yearly triathlon and is training for one this spring. Is also thinking of doing a ½ marathon in the summer. Is the room mother for Spencer’s class. Highlight of the year was our 10 year anniversary trip to Florida and the Bahamas.

Spencer – 7 - Is in 1^st grade at Harvest Elementary. Likes to read and is very proud to be reading chapter books. Is a sports fanatic. He is an amazing football and soccer player. Favorite activity is playing football in our yard with his dad, brothers, and all the other boys from the neighborhood.

Trenton – 4- Attends preschool 3 times a week and loves it. Enjoys dressing up especially in football uniforms. Nicknamed “Tricky Trenton” because he spends more time upside down then on his feet. Favorite activities are playing football, riding his bike, doing headstands, and playing with friends.

Taylor (TJ) – 3- Attends preschool 2 times a week. Is always smiling and giving hugs and kisses. Likes to go swimming and jump off the side into the pool. Loves to look at books about animals. Is the most shy of all the kids. Gets attached to toys and his blanket. Favorite activity is watching movies.

Sled Time

Sledding with the Haacke's

Sledding with the Olsen's and the Manning's

Holiday Season 2009

The 2009 Holiday Season has come and gone. I can't believe how fast it went. Unfortunately for me 3 of the 4 weeks in December I was sick as a dog (sinus issues, cough, and ear infection - yuck)! But, I was blessed to be feeling well during the week of Christmas.

The season began with a Christmas program at Trenton's school. He practiced his part at home and said it very clearly during the program. I was so proud. The program was about Christ and Trenton's part was "A" is for all he stands for". The next day I went to Spencer's school to help with his Christmas party. I love being in the classroom with the kids. I helped the kids make reindeer out of candy canes.

That evening we took the kids to the mall to see Santa. We had to stand in line for 1 hour but we were patient and the kids were able to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas.

On Christmas Eve we went to my parents home for our traditional Christmas Eve Dinner. The kids always have a blast and Grandma Cindy and Grandpa Steve's house. When we first got there my aunt from California had sent a huge Christmas box full of gifts. The kids were amazed and literally "jumped" right in (and made a huge mess).

My mom has always made the Holidays special and I just love the traditions we have as a family. Of course all the kids got new PJ's. We spent dinner all together and it was nice to be with everyone in our family. One of the funny highlights is what Logan calls TJ. He calls him Pooh J. Why he calls him that? I have no idea. My brother, Chris, creates a family video every year. It is a collection of photos taken throughout the year put to music. My kids LOVE the "picture show". After watching the video we opened a few gifts and then we were headed home to get ready for Santa.

Christmas morning we started the day reading Luke 2, a tradition we do in our home before we go down to open presents, then it was off to see what Santa brought. This year Spencer wanted a Nintendo DS, Trenton wanted a BYU football costume, and TJ wanted a Dragon Castle. Santa delivered, but instead of a DS for Spencer he brought a PSP (Playstation Personal). He wasn't quite sure what to think of the PSP, but once he started playing it he said "this is AWESOME!"

Trenton was so excited to get his BYU uniform. He ran straight upstairs and put it on (and then he wore it for 4 days straight).

TJ was the cutest thing I have ever seen. When he opened up his Dragon Castle he was yelling and jumping up and down. It was priceless! Later that morning we went back over to my parents for a "Camp Chef" breakfast. Jimmy made a "Mountain Man Breakfast" (hashbrown casserole) in the dutch oven and my dad made crepes on his camp chef out in the snow. Boy was it YUMMY!

We opened more presents and then headed over to Jimmy's sisters home for an early dinner and more partying. The kids had fun playing with their cousins and I had fun visiting with Grandma Janet and Julie. (Jimmy and the other men spent most of the evening playing the X Box downstairs). We had a wonderful Christmas. We are so blessed to live so close to our family. Merry Christmas!