5th Grade Americas Program

This year the 5th grade has been learning about the United States. Yesterday was their "Americas Program" and it was really great! I have to admit that I got a little misty eyed listening to all of the kids sing songs about our great nation. I can honestly say that I was not bored at all, and even Alex sat and listened to the whole thing without fussing. It was touching, because he just stood in the isle eating fruit snacks, pointing at McKaleigh and listening to all of the beautiful songs - from America the Beautiful to Take Me Out to the Ball Game, it really made you think about our nation - and despite all of the problems we may be having now, we really do live in the greatest nation.

Here is a picture of Mckaleigh singing one of the songs (she is right in the middle)- all of the kids wore the same thing - it looked great!
Here she is with 2 of her best friends - what a goofy looking bunch!

The Utah Winter Games - Silver Medal

Every year, for the past few years, Brett has gotten together with a few of his friends and entered the Utah Winter Games - Curling Competition. In years past, they would get together a few times during the year and practice their skills - but due to busy and hectic schedules they were not able to get any practice time in last year. Now, I know that there are VERY few people who know anything about curling, and I was among them...but we have now become interested in the sport (or watching daddy play). In Curling, there is a team of 4 - one person throws the stone across the ice and his teammates try to assist it across the ice by using "brooms" to make the ice more slick - ultimately landing in the bullseye or pushing the opposing team out of the bullseye.

I was home with a sick baby the evening the Winter Games took place, hence no winning picture, but the kids said that they had a great time watching - and that Brett and team took home the Silver Medal made it more fun! (I included a few curling shots above, so you can have some idea of the sport).

Valentine's Cookies With Grandma Deb

Today was a very special day - We got to spend most of the day with Grandma Deb, a real treat! She took Alex and I out to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory, and boy was it yummy, although a bit crowded. Here is a picture of her and Alex - he was not as excited about the lunch, but he was thrilled to see Grandma there!
After lunch, Grandma came over to set up the cookies, frosting and decorations. She had Conversation Hearts, red lips, and sprinkles.
Alex was not as excited about the decorating, as the eating. He mostly enjoyed watching the kids decorate.
Here is McKaleigh with her "cookie girl." She took alot of time and put alot of effort in her decorations.
Colton said that he was going to make a cookie with horns - he said it was a "devil cookie" - not very Valentiney, but what can you say? He was trying to keep up with his sisters decorating skills.
Here is a picture of mom and the kids after the festivities. I did not get to help decorate, as it was a great activity for the kids, but you better believe that I will take part in the tasting of the cookies! Hey dad, we made a few special ones for you (even though you are in Georgia), and they will be here when you get home (if mommy does not get to them first!).

Sneaky and Mischievous!

Is it possible that this cute 21 month old child can be devious and shady? He has been quite the handful lately, so I thought I would share.
We DO NOT allow Alex to play with important pieces of equipment - like the TV remote or phone - after having to find replacements...things like that seem to mysteriously find their way to the garbage can at our house! And we attempt to keep all toilet lids closed due to the number of things that we have found inside the bowl lately! So, yesterday it was very quite, and I found him in the bathroom - filling the toilet with toilet paper, one square at a time. He was very patient in ripping off each individual square, lifting the lid, dropping it in, closing the lid - quitely- and repeating the process (I was just vacuuming). I thought this was a one time activity, until I went into another bathroom to find the toilet filled with toilet paper squares...I did not leave him in any room long enough by himself to accomplish this task...or so I thought! Then, he brings me the telephone - which is up high on the counter. I replaced it in the base and told him "No...we don't touch this." He brings it back again. Now, I frequently feel as though I am slowly losing my mind, so I think - maybe I did not put it back...so we go out to the kitchen and repeat the process and he brings it back. This time I replace the phone and sneak around the corner to see what is going on, and this is what he is doing - dragging a step stool over to the counter, getting the phone, and dragging the stool away from the counter - is that possible? Is he that sneaky? I guess so.

Chop Chop

Many of you know that I have been wanting to do something different with my hair for awhile. It just seemed like the long, layered look was getting so tired or I was getting tired of doing it! So, Yesterday I went in for a cut - I was not able to reassure my husband that it would be just a trim, but as I walked out the door, he said he would love me no matter what my hair looked like. Here is my before picture. (a little grainy - the only one home to take my pictures was McKaleigh).
Here is my after shot. I love it! I did not want to do too much in one day, but next time in, I am going to have highlights added (to cover my grays). There are two great things about this cut...It does not take very long to do something cute with it, and my husband said that he likes it more than he thought he would. He thinks I look "cute."

Spring-Like Weather

It was 45 degrees today, and you would have thought it was 70! I had to get a few pictures of the kids outside, and Alex and I even took 2 walks today. I have to admit that I have been a little stir crazy this winter, although crossing, playdates at the church every Tuesday, and wandering through the mall (without purchasing!) has helped. In looking at these pictures...where did I get all of these blue eyed kids?
Here is a picture of our "little girl." I can't believe how big she is getting...I can wear her shoes now, so that opens up lots of options! We are gearing up for the big Maturation Day at school today (fun for the both of us), and I get to spend the evening answering questions like this is really called this, and babies really come from here, and this is a pad and this is a tampon (TMI?). Well, this is what you guys have to look forward to!

Here is our buddy Colton...He is the smiliest kid. We are getting ready for baseball season - signups are this weekend, and this year he will be playing in a more competitive league. We are looking forward to it. Everything is a competition with him. He races everyone in class-trying to get his work done first, races to his friends homes, races Alex. He loves being first!

Here is our Alex...he does not look very thrilled to be outside, but really he loves it! He will drop whatever he is doing to go wander around with me in the yard, picking up rocks, watering the trees, or just going up and down the sidewalk. Here is a more thrilling picture of him!

25 New Things...

My sister-in-law tagged me to write 25 NEW things about myself, that most of you would not know, so here it goes:
1. I loathe exercise. Everytime I get on the treadmill, it is a numbers game - calories burned, miles run, time passed...there had to be a better way!
2. I enjoy weeding and working in the yard.
3. I am a news junkie. Love reading the news, listening to talk radio, money shows, etc...
4. I am also a court tv addict. I love watching live coverage of trials. I must admit, I watched the latest OJ trial and am anticipating the Casey Anthony trial.
5. I love running errands with my husband...although he probably thinks he is a captive prisoner - in the car with me rattling on about everything and nothing!
6. I love a walk around the neighborhood with the husband and kids.
7. If I had the time and money, I would go to hair school - yes, even though I am approaching 35.
8. I am currently researching our next dog - looks like the English Bulldog is in first place.
9. I will choose a based on a true story/ war/or historical movie over a love story
10. I love the Northwest - the green, fresh smell of the rain, mild climate...and would move in a minute.
11. I love to travel with my husband...anywhere - from the exotic to Mesquite!
12. I have been re-learning math with McKaleigh (from Brett). Her homework is getting more complicated and I have really enjoyed it this time around!
13. I try to read at least one book every two weeks.
14. I would like to learn how to crochet/knit hats.
15. I really do enjoy crossing - despite the weather!
16. I am looking forward to spending more time with family in 2009!
17. I would like a haircut, while my husband is all about the trim...I am getting a cut on Wednesday!
18. The only sport I really like to sit and watch is baseball - I think its because of the pace - it really is a leisure sport.
19. I enjoy reading with my kids at night and talking about their day.
20. I believe that my husband is a better father than I am a mother most days!
21. I am so excited for Spring, flowers, fresh cut grass, the outdoors.
22. I love to camp, and am looking forward to taking Alex this Summer!
23. I believe that there is always a bright side.
24. I love seafood - especially crabby patties!
25. Given most outings, I enjoy a nice day and night with the family!

Wow, that was only 25? It seemed like 100!