February Highlights 2015

I caught this sweet moment while we were visiting the grands.  Grandma probably wouldn't be happy that I am posting this but I think she is beautiful no matter what and I love this moment between her and Hannah.  Hannah was teaching Grandma Carolyn how to do "cat's cradle".  It took several tries but eventually, with Hannah's patient instruction Grandma figured it out.  

 This year I only had to figure out 2 friend valentines because JJ has "grown out"of handing out valentines.  (I have to admit I am glad that he is)  Here is Asher's valentine:

 Hannah had to make a valentine box hold her class valentines.  All I can say is thanks to Pinterest, my silhouette cutter, my scrapbook supplies, Lance's spray paint stash and Hannah's flexibility we were able to make this without having to buy anything.

Hannah's class valentines this year. . . .

 Asher likes these cool socks he got at the BYU basketball game with Dad.

 This goober decided to wear his dad's sweater and looke so grown up.  I wanted to take a photo before he was off to church but of course he gave me the nerds stare.

 Friends are pretty important to Hannah and JJ right now.  I find this difficult - not that I don't like their friends - I do.  But I am not a party planner and I really enjoy quiet home time with just our little family. I don't even go out with my own friends anymore.  I guess I have become a bit of a hermit.  This month I tried really hard to make some fun plans for the kids and this is what we came up with. We had some yummy items to dip in our chocolate fountain and lots of friends over for a late-over.  They kids made a huge mess but had fun.

 Happy Valentine's Day 2015 - stuffed animals, new valentine bags, candy and books.

 Lance has become quite a pro at making gourmet waffles with our Belgian waffle maker. Soft on the inside and crispy on the outside with lots of maple syrup, butter, strawberries and whipped cream!

 There was a BYU basketball game on Valentines day (what the what?!?!) so Lance took JJ, his friend Josh, Hannah and Asher to the game.  Charlie and Mary Ellen gave us their tickets as they were going to be out of town that day and Lance bought one more ticket.  There weren't too many people at the game so that they were able to sit down lower for most of the game.  Because we missed out doing something together that day we had a little date night the next week which included a trip to The Sweet Tooth Fairy, YUM!

 I am so proud of this boy!  He is very respectful person and so it was perfect that he got student of the month for being respectful.  He loves his teacher, hates homework and has interests that far out reach his ability to read. He love non fiction about natural history and science as well as Greek mythology.  He enjoys math and has very tender heart.  He desperately wants a best friend who shares some of his interests. Unfortunately he is so unique it is difficult to find that person.  He gives lots of hugs and makes sure I know he loves me everyday.

 This cat loves his girl so much.  He begs to be held by her and if she doesn't pick him up quickly enough he will jump into her arms.  She calls him her "son".  No matter what trouble he gets into she loves him - even when he daily tries to eat her parakeet.

 These two are so close.  They were both pretty thrilled that their classes would be reading together for Read Across America day - aka Dr.Seuss' birthday.

This month we lost our long time school librarian suddenly.  The children, faculty and and staff at the school were shocked and saddened by her passing.  Hannah was honored to be able to sing with a small group of children from the school at Mrs. Peterson's funeral.  It was another great reminder of the importance of living up to your covenants everyday and being obedient.You never know how long you have on this earth.

February 2014

February is a short month but we really packed it with lots of activities.  

 When Missy and I got word that the 6th grade Valentine dance wasn't going to happen for various reasons we petitioned Mr. Miller to allow us to make it happen.  We got a huge response when asking for parent help so we knew that it was something that the majority of 6th graders and parents wanted to see happen.  Missy really took the ball and ran with it - organizing parents to bring treats, setting up the decorations, getting a real DJ and all around making it the funnest dance ever.  I did one small part by doing the photo booth - which was a big success and so much fun.  JJ was very stubborn about not wanting to dance or dress up or anything.  I tried to change his mind but decided it wasn't worth the fight.  He did take part in the "dancing down the gauntlet" part of the dance though.

 Chrissy Felt and Carter put on a bit of a skit to show the kids how to do some of the dances.

 This is me trying to force JJ to dance with me.  Ya that didn't happen. But his friend Oakley asked me to dance.  (I must say that it was SUPER awkward!)

 This is how JJ spent much of the dance.

 Missy trying to rally the troops and make the kids laugh! Mission accomplished.

 Chicken dance, woot woot!

 Speaking of chickens . . . . these are our new little chicks!

 JJ got a hair cut in prep for his role as Daddy Warbucks in the school production of Annie.  He said HECK NO to shaving his head.

 Asher feels like a ninja when he gets his hair cut for some reason?  The scissors unleash his inner ninja?

 Love this crazy group of girls.  It was such a great experience again this year for Hannah!

 I am really grateful that JJ continues to enjoy playing basketball.  He will never be star player but he gets so much enjoyment out of the game and that for me is what it is all about.

 This was Regann's 10th birthday party.  My kids had never been ice skating before (ok so ice, slipperyness and cold are not my favorite things!)  They had a great time but as you can see JJ inherited my week ankles.

 Regann helped Hannah gain some confidence and soon she was off and gliding around the rink.

 Asher needed no help and was a natural at skating.  He went round and round really fast!

 Missy is a great skater and it was fun to watch her hold the birthday girl's hand.

 The birthday girl!

 Asher was excited to see is buddy Taylor Price be baptized.  The very best part of being chopped off from the 7th ward and put into the 12th ward has to be the kids friendship with the Price kids.  I am so grateful for them!

 Happy Valentines day 2014

 Asher's 1st grade Valentines tea was adorable!  Mrs. Ash is amazing for keeping this tradition alive at the school.  It is such a great memory.

 This year's valentines turned out pretty darn cute. . . .

 Asher with a huge mouthful of marshmallows.

 We had the opportunity to take care of the McKinnon girls for about 5 days while their parents were on a cruise.  We had a great time having them stay at our house.

This year's Bingo for Books at the school gave us quite a haul of awesome books!  

 Who knew you could receive happiness in the mail?  My copy of the Austenland movie came not a moment too soon!