After 2 days and 1 hour of nagging, the lovely children finally helped decorate the tree. I could have decorated it last weekend when I put the tree up. But they were at their Dad's for the weekend and I wanted to wait. Because we always decorate the tree together with Christmas music playing. So as I threatened to ground them if they didn't come out right now and start putting ornaments on the tree, I was thinking to myself, "Why am I doing this?" Because one day they will look back and cherish these traditions...right?

Then and Now

The kids and I were leaving the grocery store the other night and since I am now the short one in the family, they ended up walking a little bit in front of me. I watched them have their own conversation that had nothing to do with me. It was a little overwhelming to think that those 2 almost adults I actually brought into the world. And everday they pull farther and farther away from me towards their own life. That is the way things are supposed to work, right? I remember feeling like I couldn't wait to start my life. My life that was all my own, nothing to do with my parents and their rules or old fashioned ways or whatever was bothering my 18 year old self at the time. I didn't realize then what a significant role they played in making me who I am today. As I watch my own children grow and develop into real people, I only hope I have done enough to teach them what is important. That I have done enough to help them become responsible people - responsible people who know how to laugh and find joy. It seems like not very long ago they depended on me for everything. And now that is becoming less and less, I hope more and more for their future.

Sweet 16!!

My baby girl is 16 years old! The birthday was pretty low key, which is what she wanted. But I am so proud of her. When she got her patriarchal blessing a few weeks ago, the patriarch kept remarking on how sweet her spirit is. I couldn't agree more - so here's to you my Sweetpea. I love you!

Mexico

Last October we were able to go to Mexico with some very good friends - in fact they are our family here! It was a wonderful trip. Great weather - great company - and gorgeous views. We have very similar philosophies on vacations, so we meshed very well together. We woke up and had breakfast around 10, were at the pool by Noon, then the beach, back to the pool and up to our rooms around 5 to get ready for dinner. It was great to completely unplug for a week! Even the kids said they enjoyed not having their cell phones! We did have a professional photographer take some pictures - below are some of those and some of my own...

The Ott Family - George, Savannah, Dawn and Jacob.

Mallory and Savannah the day we got there.

On our last day we enjoyed 'virgin' daiquiris - a couple times!

A little blury, but we went to the ocean one night and the boys were showing off their 'guns'.

I love the little flecks of sand on her face...

This is not photo shopped - the water really is that color!

See - they really do like each other.

Look at that air they are catching.

Highlights

Garrett just finished Deacon's basketball, which he loves. They have a very small deacon's chorum so Garrett recruited a couple of his friends to come and play. They are a pretty tight group and went undeafeted the whole season. The last game, which is the highlight reel below, the score was 53 - 34. Garrett had almost half the team's points - 22. This is what I like to affectionately call the Garrett Highlight Reel.