Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

WOW....there is so much to tell you all. Bryan got laid off from work about 2 months ago. Everyone knows how horrible the economy is right now and to say the least...we have been blessed. Bryan was hired one month after his lay off. ONE MONTH! Unheard of. We are so grateful and know that Heavenly Father had his hand in this.

Because of Bryans tenacity, we were able to go up to Yosemite (our favorite Family vacation spot) for a few days this winter. Actually, just a few days before Christmas! I am going to post some of those pics for ya! :o) btw...we were able to stay in a cabin for FREE....ohhh yeah! Good job Bry! Austin, Ashley and Madi played outside all day, building snowmen and forts for their snowball fights. Bryan took all of us up to this really cool snowplay place just outside of Yosemite to go down some fun runs with the sleds. It was really a blast!

Parker and I ventured out carefully due to his little cold. We had sooo much fun and Parker had many rides down the hills with the sleds as well. He actually bit it and hit face first once and being the good mom that I am, I took a picture before I picked him up...lol (what a thoughtful and caring mom..i know)









On the night we closed the snow park down, we were coming back into Yosemite and we were told that we had to wait because someone in front of us had just turned their vehicle on the side. BUMMER....so, we turned around and went to this awesome little Mexican restaraunt named El Cid. YUM....Just so you know, Austin is the BEST at putting on snow chains. He rocked it out in less than 2 minutes. Total pro.

All in all, we had such a nice time together and loved the potbelly fireplace (wait, is that the name?) in our cabin. Austin was good at starting fires too. :o) Ashley liked to help out in that department. She also loved making cookies for us everynight. Madi was a pro at making perfect snowballs and launching them just far enough not to hit a single soul. ROFL

well, here we go!

My sister Sara and some other family members that I love, blog. I am 37 (almost 38) and just haven't gotten into it. I know taking this first step is a big one, because I could possibly become addicted. :o)

My name is Shauna and I have been married to my hubby Bryan now for almost 18 years. We have 4 kids. Austin is 15 1/2, Ashley is 13 *today is her birthday, Madison is 9 1/2, and Parker is 10 months old today.

I love my family very much. I also love to cook, sew, paint, laugh, draw, play sports, exercise (well, when I am "into"it), watch some good tv, and play around. I like to read a good book too. :o) My life is spent juggling the 4 kids in the air like batons caught on fire. I will likely get burned at times by the teens but when all is said and done, it is exciting, exhausting, everchanging, touching and fun.

Austin is taking driver's education online right now, so he can drive ASAP. I am scared. He also runs Cross Country and his team is doing pretty well. It's his first year and he is steadily coming in around 7th for his school. not too shabby! He is absolutely adorable and just a great kid to hang with.

Ashley is on a Club soccer team and is gone alot. She doesn't play on Sundays so she isnt as away as the other players on her team though. Her bday is today and she went to the High School Football game tonight with some friends (and mom) and is meeting up with her big bro there. She is an amazing babysitter and cleaner. She has a very tender heart, is stubborn as all get out and at times is as sweet and caring as mother Theresa.*She is the 2nd mom around here.

Madison is ....well...unique. (Out little actress in the making) She is bold and daring. She will ride ANY roller coaster ride that is put in front of her. (we will see what happens when I take her to 6 flags) lol She is a girl scout and loves meeting new people. She is the best friend anyone could ever have and believes in sticking by your friends no matter what. Madi is sensitive and just a lovely little human being. She is a MAJOR chatter box too..wonder where she gets it?? lol

Parker is a LOVE. I am smitten completely by him and adore every single thing about him...well, almost everything. He has started a high pitched screaming thing at times and we are weaning him off of it. :o) We are trying to teach him some sign language so the screaming comes to a halt * quickly. I'm not good with whiners or screamers...so, of course i get a screamer. lol

we have 2 awesome dogs, cocoa puff (on the right)and scout(left). They are chocolate labs and are the best. We just love these dogs to death. Austin takes them for a walk everyday and the girls seem to take care of the rest. :o)

Well, the main reason I started this blog was to stay in contact with all of my family members and friends. I hope this will do it. I hate knowing that I am slacking in that department of my life and would like to keep everyone updated and would LOVE to see all of your families as well.

love you all tons!

Shauna