Who doesn't love it...

Do you remember singing into your hairbrush when you were 10.

Apparently, the lampstand is the new "hairbrush."
break out the microphone...the stand is to confining. Tonight, Ellie invited me into her room to watch a performance. She would sing 6 Taylor Swift songs and I would pay her 1.00 admission. She had practiced every song and memorized the words. She sang with her heart out. And, even came up with a signature "twang" to her voice. She was thrilled to perform, (after the first few moments of silliness) and put on quite a show. She didn't even mind me grabbing my camera, make that... her camera. Mine was out of batteries (hate it when that happens.) Who doesn't love moments like this.

New Year, new blog

Let your light shine this year.

Have a bright year.

Holiday highlights

We love December in all it's crazy glory. I was determined to not let this month get by without a wrap up blog post. Bear with me...it's better late than never.

Let the month of celebrations and activities begin...

Kindergarten is such a joy. The middle of the month was "gingerbread time." I joined Avery and the entire kindergarten in making a gingerbread home. Tempting to not eat the candy but Avery held out and built a beautiful home.

Avery was invited to ring the bell for salvation army in the middle of December.

With no sunshine overhead and icy cold temperatures, Avery set out to ring the bell with the finest intent. She and her friend, Alexis were very shy but serious in their bell ringing. I don't actually know how much money they raised (they stood out for 20 min) but, I am quite there has been anyone cuter collecting money.

Brrr......this winter has been dreadfully cold and icy. We have been bombarded with 3 feet of snow and even higher drifts. School has already been canceled 6 days. Yes, 6 total days SO FAR. I can't imagine playing in the snow these days, but if Jeff is out shoveling the kids will still want to go. Here is Zach after some time shoveling the brutal icy snow. Can you notice the ice on the trees. You might think, oh how pretty, I say YUCK
My birthday lunch was fabulous. Friends gathered to celebrate and chat with one another. Everyone was so kind and I was treated to many wonderful birthday gifts. Thank you ladies.

Christmas morning

Christmas morning brings lots of smiles and bright happy faces. Lucky for us we didn't start opening until 7:00 and enjoyed every minute...well, every hour of the "opening" Avery will stop and play with each new item. Ellie is loud and happy. Zachary just can't wait till the next gift. That's the way it goes. Santa surprised the kids this year. I have to say they were really good and Santa must of noticed. We were happy to have grandma and grandpa at our home and excited to have gigi and papa join us on News Years Eve. Thanks to our parents for making our holiday so special.

Pinkalicious delicious birthday party

Every year, I promise to slow down during December. Everybody does, right?

It never fails, I am in over my head. Here, my "craziness" starts with Avery's "pinkalicious" birthday.

We had such a fun time at the dance studio. Her instructor ran the show. I loved it, especially since I had had just painted and redecorated her room all day. I was exhausted. First, they danced. She taught the girls a dance to Miley Cyrus. Ah, wish you could see them get their groove on. Precious. Then she played group games with the kids. Musical chairs etc. They giggled till they fell over. Next up, pizza, cupcakes, and presents. The cupcakes were "pinkalicious" delicious. And, darn cute too (I had them made with edible glitter covering the top.) Avery is a wonderful hostess....she was sincerely thankful for each gift and friend.

After the structure and control we let the kids run wild through the studio in their stocking feet. This was their favorite part of the night. Remember that for future parties. No matter all your planning, attention to detail, creative games....the kids will always love the few minutes of unstructured time better than the rest. Ha. And, since that wild time was the end at the end of the party, when the parents came to pick up their child...no one wanted to leave. Lots of pouting kids walking out the door. I'm glad they all had such a good time. And, I was extra glad to have no clean up!

Thanks to Fluidity dance, this was a very easy and totally fun party.

It must of been Thanksgiving

This is what I saw.

Family time. Lots of family time. Playing. Singing. Sleeping. Games. Movies. Food. More food. Children being grateful. We celebrated the holiday exactly as I had planned.

Just being together and enjoying the company. Thanks to Gigi and Papa for celebrating with us
I consider myself blessed. I am purely, absolutely and totally grateful for my life. My husband, my love, is my best friend. I am lucky. My family is my life. My children bring me more joy. They smile, hug, and laugh everyday. Happy. The gospel of Jesus Christ is my stability and strength. Blessed.

But, it's the little things" in my life which bring me the most happiness this Thanksgiving.

Ellie's growing confidence, the kindness of Zach's friend-Ian, the dramatic side of Avery, Zach's love of cologne and clothes, his tutor, Avery's obedience, Ellie's nurturing nature, Avery's conversations Zach's innocence. a new 'chore' chart, reading recovery program, FHE and participation from everyone, emails from Jeff, Little Sally Walker (because its sure to get everyone laughing) morning prayers and routine, this school year, Jeff's patience, Ellie's grades, a budget, Zach's much improved handwriting, Avery reading, my quiet time in the a.m, even when Zach turns it into "our" quiet time. A forgiving and understanding husband, Zach's aide: Ms Flower, Jeff's phone calls during the day"just to say Hi", having my prayers answered, volunteering in Eby's and Devoe's classroom each week, plans for a big vacation this year, Jeff's job, preparing for middle school, friends, dinner together, no snow in November, my soon to be new sister in law; Kat, family sing-a-longs, and snuggling on a lazy Saturday morning.

A big, happy birthday wish to my mom and Avery. I'm glad we had a double celebration for two of my favorite people.

Oh happy day!

This is why I love fall.

Don't forget about us...

We dressed up for Halloween and attended a party. The Pattersons and Keisers hosted a fun night. Thank you!

If anyone wants a theme party for thanksgiving...give us a call. We bring peace!I'm sad I didn't get a picture of everyone there. Sorry!

What a treat!

This time of the year is busy. I get it. We are not the only ones chasing our tails during Halloween week. You know... the school parties, parades, costumes, ward trunk-or-treat, costume parties, and finally trick-or-treating (with tired kids) make for a crazy week. Yes, it's fun. But, boy oh boy do I wish we could slow it down...just enough to hang on to the "little things" that make it so special. I want to soak up the memories and hang on with all my might. Amongst the fast paced week of Halloween were some sweet moments that should not be forgotten.

Like, when Zachary thanked each neighbor with "Thank ya, Thank ya very muuch" in his best Elvis impersonation. Or when I was applying Ellie's eye makeup to look "punk and grungy" and she just kept looking pretty... darn those beautiful eyes. Or each time Avery put on her costume and she squealed with delight and gave a quick twirl to see the dress spin. This is what I love.

And, then there was that kind-hearted (5th grade) boy that offered to help Zach with his costume just in time to walk for the parade. How could I forget that? I hold on to the memory of Avery bursting at the seams as she finally saw and sorted all of her candy. She and I discussed each piece..."this is her favorites" pile. I want to remember that during Ellie's first alone outing with friends for trick-or-treating she admitted to me that she would of rather gone door to door with her dad. Precious memories like this make it easier to endure the extra hours, time, money and hyper kids. I know this won't last forever. Thank you, trick-or-treating!

More party pics for tomorrow!