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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

SVJH Basketball

HE MADE IT!!