Performing...

Friday night our ward hosted a talent show for the children. It was a night dedicated to kids and a chance to showcase their unique talents. We watched everything from piano solos to "How to make an egg sandwich" (my personal favorite). I loved it, nothing boasts a child's self esteem more than oodles of adults "ooh-ing and ah-ing over their hard work. At first, my children decided against performing on stage (no surprise there) and instead prepare a display. Ellie made friendship bread, and Avery made a craft. Avery worked on her Chinese lanterns for several days before hand. Ellie made a delicious loaf of bread and gave out copies of the recipe. Cute ideas.

However, when we arrived Zachary was bit by the "stage bug" and decided, spur of the moment that he and Jeff should sing "little parakeet" Wow, no coaxing, pleading, begging...just desire to sing. I wasn't prepared to feel such pride. Overwhelming love for this little brave boy. He got up on stage and sang, sang loud enough for all to hear. He looked to his daddy for constant reassurance but he... performed...on stage...in front of his peers. Congrats to the Zee man for a song well sung.

While Zach occasionally throws us a curve ball like singing on stage unprepared...Ellie never does. She is terrified of the stage. She has been since her first (and only) dance recital. I couldn't imagine what it would take to ever convince Elle to freely perform again. I underestimated the power of friendship! A group of her girlfriends quickly concocted a plan to lipsync and dance together for the last number of the night. Viola. The girls shined on stage. Our beloved Ellie had done the impossible. My heart was happy, even bursting at the seams. She conquered her fear and had fun doing it. I admire her will and applaud her efforts. I can learn a lot from that girl.

A memorable night for us.

My love

Happy Anniversary.

I am never happier than right by your side.

I love you now and forever,

Laurie

We are sad to see them leave ...

But we want to wish them well.

Our dear friends, the Enlows are moving home to Dallas. Sun night we gathered together for a party to send them off in style. A party they deserve. We met the Enlow family 2 years ago and instantly became fast friends. We connected. Kimberly is genuine. She inspires me. She shares her sweet spirit and generously gives love and compassion. I am thankful for her example. But as much as I have been touched by their kindness, no one more so than Zachy. Zach has a friend in Cole. Cole shares, teaches, and walks beside Zach with the same love that his parents have undoubtedly taught him to share. We feel blessed to know such caring children who have changed our little boys world. Thank you Cole, Spencer, Luke and Carson for giving so freely your friendship.

These are the kind of friends I wish for everyone.

Sunday night we met at the Keiser's beautiful home for a dessert after dinner. We enjoyed each others company while I walked around and snapped photos of our fun friends. We are determined to keep the "Omaha crew" alive in the minds of Kimberly and Jasen for a long time to come.

Lucky for me ...I love to talk ( oh, really) I plan to spend many afternoons chatting on the phone with my dear friend. Our love to the Enlow family and best wishes with your move.

Kimberly and MiaThe boys: Cole, Spencer and Easton
Jenifer, Kimberly and Rebekah
Shane and KeresaKimberly P. and DaveWendi and Mason Rebekah and Dave The Dudes

The little dudes Saving the best one for last...Zachary and his favorite Kimmie.

Say hello to our brave little champ.

before surgery

Zachary has been having headaches for the last couple of days. After a phone call to the neurosurgeon, we brought him into the er for a cat scan of his brain. Sure enough, his shunt was blocked and not draining the fluid. We had our suspicions and had mentally prepared for this outcome. But, still nothing will ever prepare you for the helpless feeling of watching your child being wheeled down the hall for brain surgery. Let it be known that this type of brain surgery (a shunt malfunction) is a relatively simple procedure ...for a brain surgeon! Does that ease my mind...heck NO! But, knowing that Zach is being watched out by a Heavenly Father who loves him certainly does. During a prayer for Zachary Jeff felt the "still small voice" whisper to him, "everything will be fine". He was put to ease. And, ultimately so was I. In addition to peace from prayers, Jeff provides me the added assurance and comfort I crave.



Wednesday night at midnight Zach was taken into surgery. 2 hours later we were holding him in our arms. He was a brave little champ. The surgery went better than expected. He woke up hungry, wanted pizza as early as 6:00 am.

after surgery(obviously)Zachary was so polite and charming he had the nurses, dr's and the anesthesiologist wrapped around his finger. What a dear little child. Since, he did so well, we were discharged Thursday night. He had grown accustomed to all the attention, and at one point commented "Whew, I sure am being pampered" With an endless supply of pudding and a fully stocked game room, he was reluctant to leave the hospital. Surely, he was well of aware that life at home would resume to normal.

In my constant pursuit to equalize the attention for the girls during Zach's hardships, I must mention his sweet sisters. Ellie is laying beside her brother right now, reading him a story. She nurtures and takes care of him like only a twin sister can. Both girls made him get well cards and offered up their favorite stuffed animals for the hospital stay. Love those girls, what perfect sisters.

I must also mention our amazing friends! Everyone pitched in and offered us help. Thanks to Mia, for letting me drop off 2 sleepy girls at 11:00 at night. The girls loved their 1st ever sleep over. Meals, Meals and more meals. Thanks to everyone willing to prepare us dinner...or lunch in some cases. So many sweet gestures, cookies and little gifts for Zach. Wow, the generosity of our friends in Omaha astounds us.

Now, this is my kind of vacation...

Games, Games, Games. Jeff took some vacation time this week and we, well... we just played! We did what we do best. Played with family, played with friends and laughed with each other. Oh yeah, and we relaxed! Besides games, we went to the movies, out to dinner, ate junk food (yes, I'm paying for it now) we went out with friends, and played some more... I loved every minute of having Jeff home all day. Tomorrow morning will come as quite a shock to all 5 of us. Kids go back to school, Jeff to work, and me to the GYM! Don't get me wrong, I am looking forward to getting back to the routine. But, suffice it say this has been a fabulous first week of 2009!

Here's to wishing you all a happy year filled with hugs and kisses and snuggly times.

It doesn't get any better than this...

My heart is full with the joy of Christmas. I love to see the twinkle in the eyes of my children as they bound down the stairs on Christmas morning. The excitement is contagious. Their smiles heartwarming. We recognize the bounty of our blessings everyday. And give thanks to God in every way.

"Oh, what fun it is..."

To celebrate the holidays with both my parents and Jeff's. With a crowded and crazy house we were "laughing all the way." We played and ate our way through the entire week.

In our family Christmas Eve is traditionally spent going out to dinner. Since it's my birthday and I refuse to cook, we look to the few open restaurants to gather. This year and several of the past years we have ended up at the "Olive Garden" while it's not a gourmets dream it fits the celebration perfectly.

Speaking of birthdays, I had a wonderful one. I'm thankful to my friends and family for their kindness. Jeff surprised me with a video he made of friends wishing me a "Happy Birthday." The video's introduction was made by the children, and boy oh boy were they cute. Thank you to Jeff for thinking of this fun idea and for putting forth the effort to do it. I love you.

This day is not all about me. Christmas Eve is about traditions. The children open one present from us...always pajamas. Get cozy, comfy and choose one other present from under the tree to open. I love this night. It reminds me of my childhood and brings forth so many memories. Since it's the last night on the advent calender, we read another note to the children (from Jeff and I) and follow it up with the scriptures. After placing a plate of cookies and milk out for Santa we tuck our little ones in bed. This year they quickly fell fast to sleep, while dreaming of the magic yet to come.

Look who's done with his Christmas shopping

Each year Zachary gets invited to attend a shopping event in Omaha for blind or visually impaired children. Each child is given $100 (donated to the organization) and a shopping buddy. The idea for the party is to give children the independence of shopping alone for family members. The shopping buddy is usually a high school student who volunteers time. This year Zachary made a special request (to the President of the organization) for a girl shopping buddy. Prince charming likes to sweet talk the ladies! The kids shop, wrap the gifts, eat pizza and visit with Santa. We are asked to send him with a list of "wishes" and sizes for each family member. But, ultimately Zach gets to decide and purchase the perfect gift for each one of us. He takes great pride in his presents. Last year he got me a scarf and he still pleads with me daily to wear it each time I leave the house. He loves it and so do I. This year our gifts are sitting under the tree just waiting for Christmas day. A child's "hand picked" present is always my favorite. Although, I know nothing wrapped in the brightly colored paper will mean more to me than the gift of this organization, N.F.V.I.C. We are so thankful to them. This particular organization provides many social and recreational opportunities for the families they serve. They lighten the burden of many by bringing smiles to the children they reach out to. Thank you, N.F.V.I.C.

We partied like only 5 year olds can!

Avery's birthday party was a smashing success. According to Avery it was the "best birthday party in the whole wide world." We planned a "doodle cakes" party and made sure each child felt like a real chef. They played, crafted, doodled & decorated, ate, sang, opened, squealed, giggled and enjoyed. With a room full of preschoolers, I was thankful for my friend Jodi and her help. She took 1/2 the kids downstairs to decorate their own Chef's hat, while I had the other 1/2 with me in the kitchen. Each child armed with clean hands, an apron and their very own cake would spend the next few minutes decorating with pastel bags of frosting and sprinkles. Different colors and different tips all made for very different cakes. Some children were precise and delicate while others just squeezed the heck out of the frosting bags. But, they all loved the creative thrill of frosting a cake. We quickly set them aside (without any curious finger swipes through frosting,) in a box and ready for take home. Tied with a balloon and their apron the party favor was set and done. Next, we celebrated by singing to Avery. All 11 sweet children sang little hearts out. Avery's friends love her and she adores each and every one.

(This photo is actually from our family celebration)

We opened presents with minimal distractions, Avery was a very gracious hostess and loved it all. This is a great group of children, so kind to one another. They play well and enjoy being together. Thank you to all.

Happy Birthday, Avie

Avery Hope had a birthday. Our little "caboose" turned 5 on December 5th. It was on that day 5 years ago that Jeff and I brought home this bundle of joy.

A special day, indeed. I fondly remember the smiles that lined our faces, Jeff's constant chatter of his new baby, and the tender kisses the twins bestowed upon her cheeks. She was here and our family complete.
And now 5 years later, this sweet child continues to bring smiles to our faces.

Avery is a happy little girl who knows much joy. She loves her life and sweetly expresses pleasure in most things. Especially her family. She has a best friend in her big sister. And, follows in Ellie's footsteps as only a little sister can. From time to time, she gets pushed aside by her brother. But kindly walks away as only his little sister can. She's delightful, cheerful, and compassionate. She has a gift of communicating her love to mom and dad by gently pulling on our heart strings. As only our child can. Happy Birthday, Avie!