2009: Our Year

At the end of the year it's fun to reflect upon all the fun things that took place over the past 12 months. Here are a few of our highlights:

• Kennedy and Alex moved downstairs
• Tara visited Phoenix with her family for Richard's 50th birthday
• Kennedy went on a 3 day vacation without us
• Dylan Noble was born
• Dylan came home on Valentines' Day
• Tara became a "minivan mom"
• Dede finished her first year of preschool
• Tara and I went to Washington DC
• Family vacations to Torrey, West Fork, and Bear Lake
• Jared got released from the Bishopric
• Alex became a "big boy" in the bathroom
• Lots of firsts for Dylan including: sitting up, babbling, holding things, teeth, rolling, and crawling
• Kennedy and Alex played teeball for the Red Sox
• Year ending diets for Jared and Tara
• Fun holidays and great birthdays

We really had a wonderful 2009 and can't wait to see what happens in 2010!

The Big Sleepover

Every year around Christmas time we have Alicia's kids over for a major sleepover. There's lots of wrestling, Wii playing, doll dressing, eating, movie watching - but there's not a lot of sleep.

I knew it was a long night when Coleton came up at 1 am to tell us how the movie was going. By that point Alex, Liam, and Dede were out for the count, but Coleton and Chloe were still going strong. Wow! The only thing more surprising than how late they stayed up is the fact that Tara and I were still awake!

Kennedy and Alex really love having their cousins stay at our house and we wouldn't have it any other way. So, even if there's a lack of sleep let's have another sleepover....

2009 - JibJab Style

Take a look back at the big stories from 2009.

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Christmas: The Day in Images

Christmas Eve

The Houtz family tradition of spending Christmas Eve at the cabin continued on this year. The kids have been so excited for Christmas this year and they love going to the cabin for the big Houtz party.

We really had a nice day at the cabin and it started off with the mini van actually making it up the steep, snowy hill. I wasn't sure if we would make it up, but after a couple of tries we succeeded.

The day started with lunch and treats and some nice down time while waiting for everyone to arrive. Once the crew showed up, we headed out to the famous sledding hill.



Kennedy loved sledding, Alex not so much. I think he's too skinny and gets cold quick.


Dylan enjoyed a couple of rides down the hill but after getting a face full of snow, he was done. Jared stayed out with Kennedy while I took the boys back to the warm cabin.



After sledding, we opened presents and gave Grandma and Grandpa our homemade ornaments. This has been a tradition for years and the kids love giving their ornaments to them and hanging them on the tree. Needless to say, the tree has to be really big to hold all the ornaments that have been made over the years.


After gifts, we prepared for the nativity. We've had debates in our family if we should do away with the nativity, mostly because we always run out of time, but I think this is such an important part of Christmas. We always get caught up in presents and such and forget the true meaning of Christmas. We lost a few family members that had to go to other parties, but we still managed to pull off the nativity this year.

Kennedy starred as a very serious, attentive Mary, with Jared and the boys taking on the wisemen parts.

We decided that Dylan was a little too big and too mobile to be baby Jesus, so a Pepsi bottle made the debut as baby Jesus. Even so, Kennedy wasn't phased and took the roll very seriously by cuddling, wrapping and even kissing the "baby Jesus" for some extra drama. The nativity turned out great and I'm glad we didn't cancel it this year.

As we returned home, we drove through our neighborhood that had every street lined with luminaries. The kids loved looking at the lights and we talked about the birth of Christ. We ended the night with a visit from Nana and Papa bearing gifts of new Christmas jammies and books to read. The kids went to bed tired and happy after yet another fun Christmas Eve.

Diary of a Utah Fan

We've had to wait almost a month since the Utes'last game. The bitter taste of defeat at the hands of the team down South was still in our mouths, but things would get better at the hands of the Pac 10. Utah has dominated bowl season winning it's last eight games. Wait, let's make that the last nine years with a tonight's Poinsettia Bowl win against Cal.

Tonight didn't start out as a march towards another December victory, with Utah in an early 14-0 hole courtesy of a pick six at the hands of Jordan Wynn. Still, the team fought back. After an ugly first quarter the Utes stormed their way into the game with twenty seven straight points. By the end of the third period the game was pretty much over. The Utes were ahead 27-14 and the defense was stopping Cal on every drive.

Even though the final was only a ten point margin 37-27, Utah dominated this game. We controlled the final three quarters and Wynn looked awesome (338 yards and 3 TDs). He is the future of the program for the next three years and the future is bright. We had ten wins this year, and this was a rebuilding season for Utah. Wow, I can't wait to see what's in store for the program next year. With games against Notre Dame, byu, and TCU it's going to be another exciting season for the Utes. I just hope Max Hall stops hating us by then....

New look for the Blog

I know it doesn't matter a whole lot, but it was time to update the layout on the blog. I've wanted a three column look for a while now, so today was the day. Truthfully, I wasn't ready for the update quite yet, but I hit the wrong button in Blogger and erased the old layout. Oh well, as the old year ends, here's something new...

Movie Review: The Princess and the Frog

I think we've seen every major animated movie for the past three years. While each one has it's own charm, the best one I've seen is the new Disney movie - The Princess and the Frog. It was a wonderful movie, with great images, great music, and a great story. There was something so engaging about this look into New Orleans that it almost made me rethink my trip to the Bayou five years ago. Now that's saying something, because I wasn't terribly impressed with New Orleans when we went there in 2004.

The characters in this film were great. The Shadowman made for a classic Disney villain. Tiana and Prince Naveen were fun to watch. I will say that Ray the firefly stole the show. With his Creole accent and hopeful attitude, he "lit" up every scene he was in (sorry for the bad pun). I think one of the best things about these characters is they were played by relative unknowns. When the credits rolled I had no idea who played most of the voices, and I didn't care. They were that good.

My favorite part of our trip to the movies was Alex's reaction. He absolutely loved it. Tara told me that Alex said, "Mom, I really like this movie" about 10-15 times during the film. That's pretty high praise from a three-year-old. Our family's final review - Five stars for The Princess and the Frog.

Little Man Crawling

A few days ago Dylan finally figured it out. He'd been rocking, scooting, and rolling for a while, but this week he started crawling. Now, we can't keep up with him as he works his way around the house. Way to go Big D!

New Foreman

The kids are always really interested in what my day at work is like. They know I ride the bus and that I go to work every day, but beyond that everything else is a mystery. Today I decided to share a bit of my life with Alex. Today was my last day of the year so I took Alex with me to work. I wasn't sure how interested he'd be in tagging along, but he was all over it.

We got out of the house early and headed off to the bus stop. Now, it usually takes me 15 minutes to walk up to my stop, but that's walking at my pace. Alex couldn't quite keep up so he ended up riding my shoulders. Doesn't sound like a big deal, but going uphill to the bus got me sweating. We boarded the bus and Alex was in 7th Heaven. He loved it. His eyes never left the window as he tried to absorb every detail of our ride. It was fun to see him so excited about something I take for granted.

With my son in tow we entered the office. Now, I wasn't expecting to get a lot of work done, but I still had a few things to knock off my "to do" list so I came prepared. A video game player and an iPod full of kids videos. Alex ended up watching Bee Movie, while cleaning out the office of all the leftover holiday candy.

We headed out just after noon and caught TRAX for a ride back to meet Tara and the others. I know the highlight for Alex wasn't my work (how can a technology training job compete with a train?), but it was fun to bring him with me today. Thanks for brightening my last day of work for 2009, Big Man!

For Your Birthday

Kennedy,

For the past couple of days we've been talking about the day you were born. It was such an amazing day and a great start to your beautiful life. I remember so well watching Mommy hold you for the first time. You were so tiny and peaceful - certainly not something you've continued through the years! I couldn't wait for my turn to cuddle with my precious little girl. You came home and made our first Christmas with you one to remember.

Now you're five. A preschooler. A singer. A dancer. A model. A big sister. A daughter. I can't tell you how much we love having you in our family. You are at the center of everything that goes on in our home. Sometimes that's a lot to live up to, but you wouldn't have it any other way.

I love how much you want to be a part of the action. It's been so fun to go to your school and watch you interact with the other kids and the teachers. You want to help other kids feel involved, but you also want to let others know what's important to you as well. I can really tell how much the other kids love to be around you. Dede, you'll find that your personality is one that draws people to you. Use this trait to make friends and help people feel important. Whether it's the new kid in class or your little brothers - look out for those that need a friend.

Your mom and I are so proud of you. Each day we comment how lucky we feel to be your parents. You brighten my life and I am so happy to be your dad. I love you Dede girl.

Daddy

How the Hallch Stole the Show

How the Hallch Stole the Show
By Barbara Jones Brown

Every Ute
Up in U-ville
Liked Utah a lot . . .

But the Hallch,
Who lived just south of U-ville,
Did NOT!

The Hallch hated Utah! The whole football season!
Now, please don't ask why. No one quite knows the reason.
It could be the beer, dumped on his family one night.
It could be, perhaps, that his cleats were too tight.
But I think the most likely reason of all
May have been that his helmet was two sizes too small.

But,
Whatever the reason,
His helmet or his shoe,
He stood there on Thanksgiving, hating the U.
Staring up from his valley with a sour, Hallchy frown
At the red-lighted windows above in their town.
For he knew every Ute up in U-ville above
Was busy now, donning their red coats and gloves.

“And they're hanging their U-flags!” he snarled with a sneer.
“Saturday is game day! It's practically here!”
Then he growled, with his Hallch fingers nervously drumming.
“I MUST find some way to stop U-spirit from coming!”

For,
On Saturday, he knew . . .
All the U girls and boys
Would wake bright and early, their hearts full of joys.
They'd rush for Cougar Stadium. And then! Oh, the Noise!
That's one thing he hated! The NOISE! NOISE! NOISE! NOISE!

Then the Utes, young and old, would sit down (some with a beer),
And they'd cheer! And they'd cheer!
And they'd CHEER! CHEER! CHEER! CHEER!
They would raise their U-banners, and posters, and signs,
Which was something the Hallch couldn't stand to the nines!

And THEN
They'd do something
He liked least of all!
Every Ute down from U-ville, the tall and the small,
Would make a big fuss, with the U-band a-ringing.
They'd stand in the Muss, and the Utes would start singing!

They'd sing! And they'd sing!
AND they'd SING! SING! SING! SING!
And the more the Hallch thought of this U-Fightsong-Sing,
The more the Hallch thought, “I must stop this whole thing!
“Why, for three years I've put up with it now!
“I MUST stop this U-spirit from coming!
. . . But HOW?”

Then he got an idea! An awful idea!
THE HALLCH
GOT A WONDERFUL, AWFUL IDEA!

“I know just what to do!” The Hallch laughed in his throat.
As he put on his jersey, his cleats and Y-coat.
And he chuckled, and clucked, “What a great Hallchy trick!
“I'll throw a game-winning pass, to the hands of Saint . . . George!”

Then he called his dog, Max (named after himself)
And told him a secret, like a jolly old elf:
“After the game, in a press-conference tome
“I'll tell the U's I hate them, then send them all home!”

Then the game went as planned! And the press conference, too!
Then the Hallch, he stood waiting, looking up at the U.
“Pooh-Pooh to the Utes!” he was hallch-ish-ly humming.
“They're finding out now that no glory is coming!
“They're hearing me now! I know just what they'll do!
“Their mouths will hang open a minute or two
“Then the Utes up in U-ville will all cry BOO-HOO!

“That's a noise,” grinned the Hallch, “That I simply MUST hear!”
So he paused. And the Hallch put his hand to his ear.
And he did hear a sound rising over the Net.
It came loud and clear, and made his eyes wet.

Every Ute up in U-ville, the tall and the small,
Was rallying! Without any victory at all!
He HADN'T stopped U-spirit from coming!
IT CAME!
Somehow or other, it came just the same!

And the Hallch, with his hallch-feet too tight in his cleats
Stood puzzling and puzzling: “Even in their defeat?”
“It came without winning? It came without glory?
“It came without rankings, BCS bowls, or story?”
And he puzzled twelve hours, till his puzzler was aghast.
Then the Hallch thought of something he hadn't thought of en mass.
“Maybe Utah,” he thought, “isn't so crass.”
“Maybe Utah . . . perhaps . . . does have some class!”


And what happened then . . . ?
Well . . . in U-ville they say
That the Hallch's big head
Shrank three sizes that day!
And the minute his helmet didn't feel quite so tight,
He released his apology in the bright morning light
And he remembered his sportsmanship! And love of the game!
And he . . .

. . . HE HIMSELF . . . !
Said sorry! . . . In vain?

More Birthday Fun

Kennedy had yet another party for her birthday, this one actually being on birthday. We invited family over for dinner and ice cream and cake and of course, they all brought more presents.

Kennedy had requested a Santa cake for her birthday and of course, Nana came through. I was expecting a request for some sort of princesy, girlie cake, but Santa won out.

The cake was so cute and tasted great too!

Kennedy had fun on her birthday and of course got spoiled by everyone.

Happy birthday, Kennedy. I love you so much and think you are an amazing, sweet, fun girl. Just quit growing up so fast!

Portraits of a Family

Last month we had our family portrait taken. It had been 4 years since we got everyone together for a formal portrait. Lots of things have changed since then including: two new kids (Alex and Dylan), lots of gray hair (both in my hair and beard), and shifts in weight (both up and down). We gathered together on the day after Thanksgiving at Memory Grove and the results were great. Take a look at some of our favorites:

The Big Party

For months whenever Kennedy wants to measure her relationship with someone she always uses the same line, "You're invited to my birthday party" (when times are good) and "You're not invited to my birthday party" (when you're on the outs). Yesterday was the true measuring stick as the party finally arrived.

We had a few friends and and cousins come over to the house as we started celebrating Dede's big birthday. The party started with cupcakes and ice cream (surprisingly vanilla ice cream isn't a big hit - who knew?!). Presents came next and there were a bunch. I know everyone who comes to a party feels obligated to bring a present, but I wish we could just have the kids come over for the party. Our kids don't need any more stuff and I don't want the parents to spend money for presents. I don't think I can change this, but I wish the presents thing wouldn't happen.

The biggest part of the day was our swimming outing over at a rec center. Kennedy was dying to go swimming and all the kids loved the idea. So, we packed up the vans and off we went. It was a total blast. The kids couldn't get enough of all the fun water toys, the lazy river, and especially the big slide. I didn't think the kids would be brave enough to go down the slide, but peer pressure won out. Once one little girl went down, they all did. It was great to see their faces as they splashed into the water at the end of the slide. First it was fear, but once they knew they were safe it was total exhilaration! Each one loudly screamed, "Let's do that again!" as soon as they got out of the water. It was great.


What a fun day. It's awesome to watch our kids grow up and to see them interact with friends. I know it's part of them gaining their independence from us, but it's still neat to watch Kennedy take center stage. Happy Birthday Dede!

Sushi for Santa

Last year Tara and I were invited to an event called Sushi for Santa through Facebook. The name was so weird that we decided it was just another one of those goofy Facebook things, so we brushed it off. Little did we know the scope of the event and the great causes that were helped through this benefit. When we were invited again this year, it was on the calendar.

In case you haven't hear of it Sushi for Santa is just that - an open sushi bar benefit. Last night the Energy Solutions Arena was filled with sushi lovers and people like me, just wanting to be part of a good cause. For $50 you could get all the sushi you could eat, from the best sushi chefs in town. Rather than hob knob with the local socialites, Tara and I decided to volunteer so we spent the night working. I was a runner to and from the tempura station and Tara was in the kitchen, frying up the good stuff.


It was a great event with all the proceeds going to benefit Angel Hands - a group that provides for kids suffering from rare diseases. There were all kinds of items in the silent auction, most of the items were really cool. Actually, Jess' boyfriend MIke was the big winner of the night. A trip for 2 to NY, complete with airfare, hotel, and tickets to the Giants/Panthers game. Wow, not bad for $20 worth of raffle tickets.

The props for Sushi for Santa have to go to our nephew Wille. He, and a few friends from college, decided three years ago they wanted to help others and provide a benefit. All these guys were still in their 20's, but they made it happen. Cold calling for donations, organizing the chefs, finding a venue - these guys did it all. That is pretty impressive and it definitely inspired me to get more involved and look for ways we can help. I'm glad we went last night, and the sushi was pretty good too!

Elf Yourself Returns

Elf Yourself is back this year and it's bigger than ever. You can actually choose five faces and five different dances. Check out the family in action. What a fun holiday tradition.

Christmas Carolers

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A Little Bit of Disco

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Country Christmas

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Hip Hop Holiday

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Making a List

Kennedy and Alex are very excited for Christmas this year. It's fun to see them "get it" and even better to hear what they want for the holiday. Kennedy is all over the board, but Alex is a laser - he wants tools. Real ones. Let's take a look at their Christmas lists:


Kennedy's Christmas List


Alex's Christmas List

Before and After

Ok, so I've been on a diet lately. I've really only done one other serious diet in my life and that was 7 years ago. That diet worked, I lost 75 lbs. over 6 months, only to slowly put the weight back on over the past 5 years. I've been really down about my weight, to the point that I needed to do something drastic. I did.

Tara and I decided we were going to do the HCG diet. You've probably heard about it. It's the one with injections daily and a 500 calorie limit per day. It sounds crazy. It is crazy. I know. But it works.

We started in the middle of October and I weighed in at 282 lbs. You don't even know how hard it is for me to write that number down. We followed the program, ate the right food (what food you could eat with 500 calories), exercised daily on the Wii Fit, and did the injections.

Seven weeks later, I weigh 236 lbs. Still too much, but it feels great to get rid of that extra weight. The diet had me dropping about 1 lb. per day, while maintaining pretty good energy. The trick is to see if I can keep it off. There are no guarantees, but I have to say I feel incredible and I have a better mind set when it comes to eating. I'm no Biggest Loser, but I am happy with my results. Here comes the really hard part - here's my before and after pictures (sorry, but diets can't make me better looking).