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Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas

We had a great Christmas this year, as usual. The kids always get to open 1 present on Christmas Eve. And it's ALWAYS Christmas pj's. They know this, and yet they're still super excited to open them. I think it's just the whole idea that they're that close to the "real deal"!
After they were changed into jammies, we finished up our advent calendar. Colton and Whitley are getting a little old for this, but Kennedy was way into it. They let her put up the Santa Claus. 5:30 AM Waiting in our bed while Landon "checks to see if Santa came", and turns on some lights and the camera.Opening up the flood gates. I so remember this feeling as a kids. The excitement. The anticipation. So fun.
I think Whitley has the best reactions to her presents. She so wanted this Kindle.I think my favorite gift we gave the kids this year were these awesome "Who is your hero?" posters. Colton favorite scripture story is Samuel the Lamanite.
After we had finished opening everything and the kids were checking out all their new stuff, Landon asked Colton to get something from the family room. Santa had brought the family one last present and we were helping him find it. He stood right next to it for several minutes, telling us he couldn't find whatever is was Landon had sent him in for. Finally Kennedy glanced his way and went nuts when she the the big present. How did he miss this thing? It was wrapped in shiny blue and silver paper!! It's an air hockey, ping pong combo table. We are going to put it in our loft for yet another space for the kids to hang out and have fun.
Later our parents and grandma great came over for more gifts and breakfast. I didn't snap 1 single picture! We tried something new this year with our gift giving, and it really simplified life. it really helped us focus on Christ and the first Christmas so many years ago. It is definitely something we will continue with. I'll have to explain in another post. This one is already to long.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas Eve Cookies

Christmas eve we made our cookies for Santa. We always do sugar cookies. MY FAVORITE!
This year I pretty much turned it over to the kids. There was flour and dough all over my kitchen, but they had a good time. I made Colton wear this apron. He was bitter! That's just the kind of mom I am.
For some reason when it's time to frost the cookies it's always a competition. Being the competitive person that I am, I always bring my A game. This is usually about the time Landon starts hanging around. His method seems to be something like this. Frost a cookie, eat a cookies, frost a cookie, eat a cookie.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Piano Recital

Today was the kids Christmas recital. I know they look forward to this all season long!! Their recital is always at an assisted living center and the residents are invited to join us. I love that idea. There were several cute little tapping their fingers and singing along to the Christmas songs.

Afterwards Grandma Great took everyone out to eat at Claim Jumper to celebrate the recital being over. Landon and Kennedy ordered the "I Declare" for dessert. This thing was bigger than Lan's head. It's a big eclair with a ton of ice cream all around the base, covered in whip cream and chocolate sauce.

Yes, they ate the whole thing. Just the two of them.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Christmas with the Nutcracker

The girls and I went to see the Nutcracker tonight. As you know, we do this every year, but this year was different. Two reasons. First every year Kennedy tries to ruin the night. Maybe not on purpose, but she does nonetheless. She's bored, or tired, or mad about having to wear a dress. This year she loved the ballet. She kept leaning over to me and saying "oh I love this one", or "I remember that one". She was actually enjoying the ballet!
Second, my sweet 90 year old grandma is in town for Christmas, so we took her with us to see the ballet. She loved it. She lives in a tiny town in Idaho, and doesn't go out much. She went on and on about what a fabulous night she was having. I'm so glad she was able to go.
Of course Grandma Ruth was there this year too. So fun to have 4 generations enjoying something together. I'm go grateful that my kids have had the opportunity to know my grandparents, their great-grandparents.
Of course the girls got their traditional nutcracker. They should have a pretty good collection by the time they're adults! Whitley got another snow globe for her collection, and Kennedy went for a shiny blue nutcracker.
I'm so grateful for this tradition that was started years ago by my other grandma in Salt Lake. It is something I look forward to every Christmas season, and it's been so fun to be able to pass this tradition on to my own girls.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Mesa Temple Lights

Tonight we took the kids to the Mesa temple to see the lights. Going to the temple lights is as much a part of our Christmas celebration as brushing our teeth is part of getting ready for the day. It's just automatic. A no brainer. You get the idea. We went in to see Luke 2 first, and I found myself wishing it was longer. There is such a peace when you watch the humble circumstance in which the Saviour came into this world. My kids all commented on wanting it to be longer too. Then we wandered around the temple grounds. The weather was perfect! We barely needed a sweatshirt tonight. After seeing all the lights we needed to, we headed out for some dinner.
It's nice to take a day, or at least a couple hours and pause in all of the chaos of our lives and this time of year and reflect on what matters. Why we celebrate Christmas. His birth, His life, and His Atonement for us.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Athena - Goddess of War

The 6th grade finally had their Greek God/Goddess wax museum this morning. Whitley was Athena, Goddess of War.

I found this sa-weet gold vest and white nightgown at the Goodwill and hacked them up to make this costume! I turned out good pretty good if I do say so myself!Tatum, Bailee, Whitley

Monday, December 6, 2010

We Start at 7AM

All three of my kids take the piano. This is not optional in our house. Maybe it's because I grew up with the piano Nazi, and that's just what I know. But I do think it's good for them, and I am grateful that I know how to play the piano. (yes mom, you were right). So I want that for my kids too.

My mom is their piano teacher, and I hear her complain about her students not practicing. I'm sure it's frustrating. However, I am on the other end of that deal and know how crazy busy life is. So years ago, I figured out that if we were going to get all 3 kids their 30 minutes of practice time, it was going to have to be before school! Lo and behold, it's working.

Now, don't get me wrong. There are plenty of mornings that it just doesn't happen, or maybe it just kind of happens. And most mornings one, if not two of them is bitter about the whole thing and they practice the piano as ridiculously as they can. For instance Whitley this morning...
Throwing her head back, and playing as slowly as possible. What she doesn't understand is that I don't care! That only makes her practice time longer! Welcome. Welcome to 7:30am at my house! Please sit, stay a while. There will be another pouting, angry child practicing at 8:00am.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Christmas "Flute" Concert

This is Whit's second year playing the flute. She likes it okay, but when I asked her the other day if she was going to keep playing in Jr. High she said "nope"! They had their Christmas concert tonight. Colton had a basketball game in Tempe, so Landon and I drew straws to see who went where. (I won't tell you who "won"). I will just say that the 5th grade band, then the 5th grade strings, then the 6th grade band, and then the 6th grade strings were all performing several songs each. And they really frown on you leaving in middle of the concert after your own kids has played. The basketball game was the beginning of a tournament, and Colton's first game! 'Nuff said.
I sent Lan with the camera and instructions to get some pics. He got just enough to document the fact that when Whit was 11 she played the flute. That'll do.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Haul Out the Holly

After a long weekend of running around, and getting things done we FINALLY got our Christmas tree up tonight. Kennedy has been begging since Thanksgiving morning to get it out. We cranked up some Christmas tunes and the kids hung the ornaments.
I was busy decorating the rest of the house. I like to get it done this weekend so we can enjoy it the whole month of December. It's too much work for me to wait any longer. By New Years Eve I will be sick of it! Until then, we are loving it.
(Don't mind my vacuum)


I try to get a little something new each year to add to my collection of decor. Some years I just get a little something. This year I went for it. I have had my eye on this framed picture of Santa for years, but didn't want to spend the money at Christmas time for it. This year I threw caution to the wind and went for it. I got the presents and lighted garland for my banister. Man that stuff is pricey, but so worth it. I thought I was going to put my Christmas tree in this little corner. Then I stuck this picture on my easel just to keep it safe, and I loved it! I love the evenings when the garland on my banister and the presents and tree are all lit up. So cozy!

Friday, November 26, 2010

Thanksgiving 2010

We had a nice, quiet Thanksgiving. Landon and Colton got up early to play in the annual Turkey Bowl. No one was seriously injured this year, so that was a bonus. Then Colton went with Grandpa Scott downtown to the car show. This is a tradition of theirs. They both love it, and no one else wants to go. While they were gone Grandma Ruth, the girls and I started fixing food. Landon's Dad came over for dinner, and we ate ourselves silly. Then it was time to get down to business. The Black Friday Ads. There weren't too many things we just had to have, but decided to go out anyway just for the fun of it. We actually did some online shopping early and scored some great deals. Now there's just no getting around it. Break out the Christmas decorations.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

The End of Fall Soccer

We finally wrapped up soccer season this weekend. HOORAY! We love soccer season, but by the end we are exhausted! 2 girls with 2 practices each and 2 games each weekend is plenty! Both girls had great seasons again, and truly love this sport. Truth be told, I think Kennedy is only in it for the trophy!
Whit rocked again this year against bigger older girls. Can't wait to see what she does with this big talent.

Friday, November 19, 2010

SVJH Basketball

HE MADE IT!!

Monday, November 15, 2010

This Year

Here we go again. Colton is trying out for the Jr. High basketball team. He tried out last year, and didn't make it. But last year was different. He didn't seem to want it. He didn't seem to care much. Like he was trying out because his friends were. And I'm sure it showed on the court. In fact he was so un into it, that when he came home Friday at the end of tryout week, I had to remind him to open his letter to see if he made it or not. Just didn't care. The Monday after tryouts, the coach pulled him aside and told him to work on a couple things over the next year and he'd make the team next year. He told him that they needed him. They needed his height. Needed him to be more aggressive.

This year is different. This year he cares. This year he's more mature. This year he wants it. This year he IS more aggressive. This year is for real. This year, is much more stressful for me. Keep your fingers crossed! We'll know if 5 days.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Threading = Pain

5 years ago, days before my sister got married, I decided I needed a new haircut. I wasn't thrilled with "my girl" so my sister sent me to a girl she had just had do hers. She loved it! This girl was from India, and really did do a great job on my hair. However, she spent the whole haircut talking me into letting her thread my face.

I had seen threading on Oprah, and was somewhat interested in it. It wasn't very popular, like it is now. I knew my eyebrows needed waxing, so I told her she could do my eyebrows. For the wedding and all. Once she started, I knew I was in trouble. It hurt so bad. I had tears running down my face. She was working so fast, and I was in such a state of shock over the pain, that before I knew what what happening she was threading down my cheeks and along my jawline. You think the eyebrows hurt?? That was nothing compared to those tender areas on my cheeks.

At this point I can't stop her. I can't have one side of my face soft and smooth, and the other side looking like Sasquatch. So I just sucked it up and did my whole face. Not a single hair left when she was done.

Once I had recovered from it, I had to admit my face felt awesome. Smooth as a babies bottom! But I did make an oath, to myself, never to get threaded again. Fast forward 5 years. Now they have threading Kiosk's in the malls. I'm at the mall with Stacy and she casually says, lets get our eyebrows threaded. It hurts, but it's totally worth it. Well of course I launch in to my story and my oath, to which she is laughing hysterically. But my eyebrows really do need a wax job, and this time I won't let them do anything but that. I can handle that.
And I do. And it's not as bad as I remember, so I have her do my upper lip. That was my mistake. That's where the tears started to run down my face. That's where the horror of my first threading came rushing back to my mind. But again, I gotta tell you. Once you get over the shock and pain, man is your face smooth!
The verdict is still out, whether or not to try again. Maybe if I just stick to my eyebrows.

Monday, November 8, 2010

FHE by the Fire

Tonight as part of our FHE, it was finally cool enough to light a fire in our fire pit! We roasted hot dogs and marshmallows a had our lesson by the campfire. There is something so peaceful about sitting around a fire. And even though the lesson wasn't anything heavy the spirit was very strong. Good memories!This is not the best picture obviously. It was taken at night, in the dark, with Landon's cell phone. At least I remembered to snap a shot!

Friday, November 5, 2010

You Gotta Love Walmart

Anyone who has read my blog for any length of time, knows we spent about 6 months living in Moses Lake Washington. I made two really good friends there that kept me sane. One of them moved before we did, and the other one is still there. Poor Lisa. Anyway, Lisa's husband is the head honcho at the Walmart there and sees a lot of crazy things. And his friends and family send him pictures of crazy people they see at Walmart. She posted this picture today on her facebook page. I laughed until I cried! Thanks for sharing Lisa.This woman has no shirt on. Just tucked her boobies right into her pants! Must have been too hot for a shirt?? You gotta love Walmart.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

She Loves Me She Loves Me NOT

Kennedy has been home from school for the last couple of days sick. This morning after Colton and Whitley went to school we were sitting together eating breakfast. She started to tell me a "scary" story about snakes crawling up her legs. Being the good mom that I am, I jumped at her and gave a good scare. She didn't like it at all. Later I found this note. It reads... Dear Mom, I'm hiding from you. You scared me. I almost puked, and you interrupted me in the middle of the story That was very very mean of you to do that to your own daughter. I don't know if I can trust you anymore. Should I? Maybe but then again I may not trust you. It's a mystery to solve, for you to solve because I can't because I'm hiding form you. P.S. Don't look under the computer Maybe with love, from Kennedy
Then tonight, as part of her homework, she was suppose to write a short story using as many of her spelling words as she could. Here is what she wrote...
My mom and dad were being mean to me and I ran away to the city, then the country. I could hear my mom and dad yelling to me, but I didn't answer them. I went up to a high mountain that was very steep. I said to myself "I would rather be raised by bears than my mom and dad". I got very lonely so I went home and said hi to everybody . The end
SERIOUSLY??? You would think this poor child was abused with all this drama! I'm just glad I know her teacher really well, and that we can have a good laugh over this, instead of trying to explain myself! As for me scaring her this morning, get over it. What are you, new here?? It's how we roll!

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Happy Halloween

Halloween week has been insane! So much to do, so little time. This year my friend Stacy and I decided it would be funny if our kids were Smurfs! We figured the costumes seemed easy enough. White pants, blue shirt! Then a couple more kids from the neighborhood decided they were in. And then a couple more. And a couple more. Before we knew it, we had 20 Smurfs and Gargamel. That meant 20 matching blue shirts. 20 matching white pants. Shoe covers, blue face paint, and hats. Where do you find 20 electric blue shirts and white pants that fit kids from size 6 months to men's XL??? Well it wasn't easy, but end product was hilarious and totally worth the effort. Whitley chose Smurfette
Kennedy chose Sassette SmurfAnd Colton went for Papa Smurf
Here is the whole gang before heading out for our ward Trunk or Treat! They all had name tags to tell which Smurf they were.And of course what's Halloween without Landon and I making fools of ourselves!