Thanks Santa

This year the boys all got what was on their lists! Santa did all right.
Garett was stoked to see his Tony Romo jersey.
Weston was pumped to see the boarding gear.
Colton is going to be the most prepared next time they go hunting.
All in all this Christmas was grand. The family parties rocked, the snow was beautiful and we all took time to remember the reason for the season. What more could a mom ask for? Not much ~ I feel 100% blessed. Some times I have to really wonder how I got so lucky. I married my best friend, I have 3 amazing boys, I have a famiy that is unbelievable. I am so blessed.

Let is Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

Well Old Man Winter finally made his way to Utah. We have had several inches of snow and it has been bitter cold. Christmas Day it snowed and snowed. Then that night the winds kicked up and man driving home from Dale's was an adventure. Tom just took it nice and slow.
The boys were suppose to go rabbit hunting the 26th but they closed the freeway up by Snowville so they had to postpone the trip. The boys, both young and old were very bummed out ~ but better safe than stuck.
I snapped a couple of shots of the boys, Weston, Colton, Tom and Blake shoveling the snow but they not only shoveled our snow they took care of the neighbors as well. Talk about great guys!
While the boys shoveled Tom scanned the hillside for deer ~ what a guy. JK/LOL He really did help them.

Holiday Parties

We celebrated Leatherow style on Christmas Eve. We gathered at Dale and Eileen's for soup and finger foods.
Dale gave us all a Christmas quiz to see what order we all grabbed the gifts. I am not quite sure who was the top winner but we had a riot. Tom took home some spices, I took home a whisk ~ the gifts are always a laugh. It is so much fun.
We exchanged gifts and I believe everyone was happy.
Corben got to open his Christmas Eve jammys and model them for us~too cute. Liam of course is always a hit. That boy is always so happy.
We ended the party around 10:00 or so and headed for home so the head jolly elf could find us.
Thanks again for a great time!

Holiday Parties

This year we celebrated Christmas Heil style on December 20th. As always the food was fantastic. To determine the order in which the adults got the gifts from Dad we played Dominos. And guess what Tom and I WON! We ended up with a head-lamp and a couple of movies. To top off the Domino experience Dad and Jo gave each family a wooden set of Dominos that they made. They are too cool for words. We of course exchanged gifts with everyone and just had a ball.
K.C. and Alicia called in and told us that they are being transferred to Pearl Harbor, HI. They will be moving in about a year or so. How exciting for them. I told Tom that gives us plenty of time to save up and take the boys over for a visit.
This was A.J.'s first Heil party and she was a hit. Misti had her dressed in the cutest dress at first (it was Misti's dress when she was little) and then dressed her in the cutest pair of Christmas jammys.
The night was a blast!

Turn the Lights on Please

Here is a quick snap shot of our Christmas Tree decorated and with the lights on. The pictures do not do it justice so please if you are in the neighborhood stop by for a visit ~ we love company.

Future Husbands in Training

Tonight we had a guest for dinner, Mr. Corben Watkins. After dinner, Weston gave him a quick lesson in Husband Etiquette. Corben likes to visit and we love it when he does. He has truly grown up in the last couple of months and he is very excited for the arrival of his new little sister, Jaycee Elizabeth. Corben loves to hunt with his dad, Blake and to hang out with his friend, Weston.

O' Christmas Tree, O' Christmas Tree How Lovely are Your Branches

Today, November 30th the boys worked together to put up our tree. I was amazed at how quickly they worked and the tree was up in about 45 minutes. It looks great. Notice the great choice of stool the boys are using ~ hint, hint it is my furniture. And I wonder why nothing lasts around here!
No, I truly love this time of year; it really brings out the best in people. I love the spirit of giving that fills the air and the many family gatherings to attend to. Please take time to remember the Reason for Season~

From our Family to Yours ~ Happy Thanksgiving

This year we gathered at the Leatherow residence in Farr West. We tried our hand at deep frying a turkey as well as Weston's swan. The dinner was fabulous! Everyone did their share to make the meal a feast. At this time of year it is ALWAYS great to be with family and friends and to give thanks for the truly important things that make life great. So to all of you THANK YOU for making my life a better one and for making our family complete. This was also Liam's first Thanksgiving ~ don't you just love the hat? Remember to give thanks to our Father in Heaven for it is thru him that all things are possible.

Colton has a good day at the marsh

Colton has really taken to the hunting just like his pa and older brother. These are not all of his ducks but look how happy he is.

Weston fills his Swan tag again this year!

Weston went out hunting with Blake and his cousin, Brandon. Weston was lucky enough to shoot his swan that morning (11/22). They were at Bear River. Weston was very excited to say the least.

A few more pictures from the Heil Halloween Bash

Two new visitors this year . . . Dad's friend Zac paid us a visit! And Alivia Jo (out of costume) but cute none the less.

It's the Annual Heil Halloween Bash!!!!!

Once again the Heils gathered and partied like no other. The kids came dressed in costume, carved their pumpkins, ate some delicious soups (thanks Jo), bobbed for apples, heard the yearly "Mr. McQuire" story, and played Bingo for play dough. The newest addition this year was a hit ~ Miss Alivia Jo as the "Tootie Roll" This is something the kids look forward to every year - ahh heck this mom looks forward to it as well. Colton was the first to get the apple, Dylan was the first to yell BINGO, and I was the first to sample Breeze's DELICIOUS sugar cookies! The pumpkins all looked great all lit up along the wall ~ each year they get better and better. Thanks Dad and Jo for making the party something that we all look forward to and love.

Cub Scouts ~ Pack Meeting

The theme for October's pack meeting was library. The boys and parents played some relay games with books, and read some funny stories. The boys then got to help make a wall for a "scary chocolate cookie" house. I was very impressed with the talent of the pack. Even Tom got down and in the mix and helped the troop. It was a lot of fun and Garett is really enjoying cub scouts. He missed a couple of months due to football but he is now back in full swing.

Just a peek at Weston and his soccer hobby

Weston played in State Cup this year. Tied the first two and lost the third and were knocked out of the tournament. It was a great experience. I forgot the camera the first two games and when I did remember the camera for game number three I was looking directly into the sun . . . . so there aren't a lot of pictures to share. Sorry folks; you will just have to take my word for it that Weston had an awesome game.

Deer Camp 2008

This past September we headed for the hills of Mantua, Utah. The weather was wonderful, the company was great and luckily there was no deer to be had. (Did I just say that?) The boys would head out in the wee hours of the morning and return in time for some breakfast; we would hang out and chit chat until it was time again for the boys to head out for the evening hunt. Once back we would have dinner. We did get in plenty of riding and yep mom even made the boys find time for their homework! We had a great time. Good Luck next year boys.

Youth Hunt 2008

Saturday, September 27th at approximately 2:30 AM the older Leatherow boys left their warm, comfortable beds to head to the marsh. The other Leatherow boys (Dale and Logan) met them out there as did Blair and Justin Christensen. They did get their "spot" and caught some zzzzz's while waiting for shooting time. Between all the boys 3 geese and 11 ducks were taken home. The dads were all very proud of the boys as was this mom! (But do you see what I mean when I call the marsh Tom's mistress? I mean really who leaves the comfort of their bed at freakin' 2:30 AM?) But that is what makes me love them all. Here are a few pictures . . .

Scots get their first Victory!

Garett and his team, Pitbull Scots, got their first win of the season. The win was on their home field, the high school stadium and was the last game of the season. What a way to end! Garett was on fire and continually made sure the crowd was pumped up as well as the players on the field. He was involved in many tackles both offensive and defensive.

Check out the Swan?

Weston was able to take down his first swan last year and has drawn a tag again this year. Colton and Tom were not so lucky. Again, check out the smile on this boys face . . what is with my boys and the birds? I really need to figure this out and tap into it somehow.

This is what makes a man happy! Go Figure . . .

This is a picture to explain the mistress . . . last year while out hunting Tom pulled off the ultimate hunting experience. Who knew that ducks could make a man smile like no other? He called me literally giddy with excitement to tell me that he knocked down 4 green heads with 4 shots. I being the "not so good" wife wasn't quite sure why that was so cool. He called his other hunting buddies who would share in his joy! I have since been set straight and will be doing cart wheels the next time he calls . . in fact we may have to have everyone over for dinner and help him celebrate!