The Knox Family

Ashlen's Baptism

2012-01-28T18:39:00.001-07:00

Our sweet Ashlen decided to be baptized on January 14, 2012.

We were so proud of her decision and she was so excited!

It was so special and there was such an incredible sweet spirit present.

Congratulations Ashlen!

These were the announcements we sent out to our family.

This was the Baptismal Program.

We had a dinner afterwards for all those family and friends who came to celebrate and share her special day. After dinner, she opened her gifts.

These were all the wonderful gifts she received from family and friends.
Thank you so much everyone!
We love you Ashlen!

My New Job!

2012-01-23T18:29:00.000-07:00

Well, I am now a working mom from 8-5 Mon. through Fri. for 8 weeks. I took a job at the capitol in Salt Lake City on the senate staff. I started Jan. 17th and I am only working full time during the session. I must say it is amazing. I've always loved politics and now I get to be in the thick of the Utah political season. I'm loving learning all the new things and meeting the Senators and being in the "working" world. Talking to adults all day and performing adult business tasks is fun. But, I'm glad it's only for a little time because I'm seeing how much my husband and kiddos miss me and how much I miss them. I look at it as a growing opportunity for me. I haven't been a full-time working mother ever and I haven't been out in the workplace for 15 years. Can you believe that? Not that I haven't been working and working hard. But, this is quite different. I have a new appreciation for working mothers that do it all the time. I'm having to juggle around many things and practice good time management. So, today was the opening session at the legislature and we were all introduced. Here I am in the purple shirt. My co-worker Lori is waving to her friend who took our picture.

Senator Osmond convinced his nephews The Osmond Brothers (the second generation) to sing. It was gorgeous and in true Osmond fashion and harmony. They sang three numbers, including “The National Anthem” by David Osmond, as well as a number written by Senator Orrin Hatch.

I love being able to hear some of the sessions and form my own unbiased opinion. It's great to be able to hear both sides of an issue before the media attacks. I feel like I'm being refreshed as a woman, wife, and mother. Seven more weeks to go.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-29T16:00:00.001-07:00

We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

The Reason for The Season

2011-12-29T15:57:00.001-07:00

The Nativity Story
Every Christmas Eve, we dress up and act out the Nativity. This year Grandpa Knox was the narrator and a shepherd, Daddy was Joseph, McKinley was Mary, Kaelie & Hannah were the angels, Jeade'en was a shepherd, Grandma Knox, Ashlen, and Jake were wise people. I was the cameraman.

The entire "Nativity" cast.

12 Days of Christmas

Every year we've done the 12 Days of Christmas to a family we know. We always ask the kids who they think we should do it for and they give us their ideas and then we vote. This year, we decided to do it for 2 families. They both are extremely special and we wanted them to know just how much we've noticed them for their kindness and service and just how much we appreciate them. It was so much fun! We got a cute 12 piece nativity set and some treats for family #1 and started on the 12th of Dec. delivering a piece with a poem and a treat each night. For family #2, we were Santa's Elves and delivered an item (like treats, a Christmas CD, or lotion) that went with a 12 Days of Christmas Poem each night. The kids loved delivering the items to both homes, ringing the bell, and quickly hiding. None of us were caught and we remained anonymous. It brought so much excitement and love into our family to be able to do something for someone else and see their joy and happiness each night. It brought the true meaning of Christmas into our lives and home as well as our 2 special families.

Gingerbread House

2011-12-29T15:35:00.001-07:00

Brian and I started the tradition that every Christmas we would build a Christmas House. Some years it was Sugar Cube Houses and some years it was Gingerbread Houses. This year we did a Gingerbread House and we all had a blast. I should say the kids had a blast because they did all the work. Brian and I just took pictures, unwrapped candy, and watched. McKinley's friend Elle helped us.

Jeade'en was piping the royal icing while the kids stuck on the candy.

This is the finished product from the back.

This is the finished product from the front.

Great job Knox kiddos!!!

Christmas Express

2011-12-29T15:23:00.000-07:00

This year we started a new way to do an old tradition. We always go out every Christmas and drive around and look at all the beautiful lights as a family. This year, I prepared a treat bag (popcorn and twizzlers) for all the kiddos. This was secretly stashed. We told the kids to run downstairs and hurry and get on their p.j.'s, robe, and slippers. They could even grab their favorite blanket.

Once the kids were all assembled, Brian and I told them that we had a surprise. We all sat down and read The Polar Express. After the story, they were to run down to their bedrooms and look on their pillows and come back as fast as they could.

This is what they found. A golden ticket on the Christmas Express!

They all got in line and the conductor (Brian aka: Dad) punched Christmas words into their tickets.

Then we all piled onto the train (Suburban) and the kids got their goodie bags. We all strapped in for a great ride and yummy beautiful evening on the Christmas Express. It even snowed and we saw some great Christmas lights!

Christmas Sing-A-Long

2011-12-29T13:22:00.002-07:00

This is the second year we've gone to the free Christmas Sing-A-Long Concert sponsored by the Larry H. Miller Family. It is held at the Energy Solutions Arena and is absolutely free! There is a small orchestra and this year we were able to see and hear Alex Boye', Santa Clause, and THE JAZZ BEAR (which is our kids favorite)! They hand out a program with all the songs we are going to sing and a little cookie to eat. Then everyone sings all the Christmas Carols together and the whole arena celebrates Christmas. It sure puts you in the perfect mood. We were able to bring Hannah with us too. We brought bottled water and some extra Christmas treats this year :)

Teen Christmas Party

2011-12-29T13:05:00.001-07:00

Jeade'en threw a Christmas Party for her friend Allie who is moving to St. George right before Christmas. They had a great time and loaded up on presents and lots of sweets.

Katherine, Jeade'en, Ari, and Allie

Ashlen's Birthday

2011-12-15T17:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Ashlen!

I remember the day she was born. Daddy and I barely made it to the hospital. My water broke so I took a shower, did my make-up and hair, (my toe nails were already painted), and I didn't time my contractions. I thought I had plenty of time. Brian's mom was there and she timed them and rushed us fast to the hospital. Our little Ashlen was very anxious to get here. We made it to the hospital and into the triage room when I needed to push. The nurse came in to check us and screamed for everyone to get in the room. Ashlen's head was on it's way out. From start to finish, Ashlen's labor was a total of 1 hour and completely natural. I was just glad we made it to the hospital in time. She was and is absolutely perfect. Happy Birthday Sweetie!

Ashlen's Princess & The Frog Cake

Ashlen blowing out her candles.

Ashlen opening her presents.

A Bratz Doll from Daddy & Mommy!

A gift card to Ross from Grandpa & Grandma Knox!