January . . .

I can't believe we're down to the last week of January.  This month has gone by so quickly, and yet I still feel like I'm still adjusting to post-holiday life.  So, here's a quick summary of what we've been up to . . .

The boys started karate at our local YMCA.  We're really pleased with their instructor  who teaches them a lot about self-discipline and having a good heart in addition to how to protect themselves. 

The Pinewood Derby was yesterday.  B had a really fun time building his car with D - he's so like his dad in that way - loves using his hands and building things. 

I don't know why this photo refuses to turn the right way -- but it's still a fun reminder of our date with E last weekend. We went to see Wicked the Musical.  It was a wonderful experience for all of us, especially E who can still be heard around the house singing the songs from the show!

Happy New Year!

We're back home after a wonderful 5 days in Arkansas.  It was bittersweet to think it will be our last visit -- bitter because we have loved our time with Mom and Dad in the mission home -- what a valiant example they are to all of us -- and sweet because we'll get to see LOTS more of them in just 6 months!  Woo Hoo! 

Yesterday I didn't feel ready to come back to "real life," but I have felt uplifted today and am ready to go!  I'm thankful for new beginnings, for the opportunity to progress and become who the Lord wants me to be, for inspired friends and family who touch my life and motivate me, for the Word of God that gives me strength and direction, for the hope that this year can be the "best year ever" regardless of external circumstances and events if I will invite the Lord and His Spirit into my life more fully.

May 2011 be the BEST YEAR EVER for all of us!
 

Snow in Tucson?

 Can you believe we found snow in Tucson??  OK - yes, there's a catch -- it was really soap bubbles blown from overhead blowers, but it was magical to our kiddos.  Poor things just don't get to experience real snow more than once a year when we venture up to Mt. Lemmon.  A nearby mall -- La Encantada -- turns on their "snow blowers" every Friday and Saturday evening during December.  They call it "Enchanted Snowfall!"  It is a fun addition to our "12 Days of Christmas" countdown.

Countdown Day #4

Today's countdown was "Enjoy E's Treat Trade" . . . and we did!  What a fun group of friends she has!  Several weeks/months ago E decided to host a Christmas "treat trade"(cookie exchange) for her friends.  She's been working all that time to make invitations, decorations, plan and make craft kits, find the "perfect" recipe to share, etc . . . It was scheduled for last Friday and wouldn't you know it Emma came down with a sick tummy that very morning.  Thankfully she has very accommodating friends (and friend moms) who were able to reschedule for today - hurray!  Everyone brought 12 cookies along with the recipe, and went home with 12 different cookies and a great collections of recipes.  They also made a cute paper Christmas tree craft --easy enough to make while gabbing away.

E made these paperlollies for her centerpiece!

E made these adorable and tasty snowman cake pops!

A completed paper Christmas tree

A sampling of the treats -- I forgot to snap the photo before the snacking began.

Fabulous gals all!

Mr. BR's big night!

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" countdown has begun!  "Day 1 - Go watch BR in his First Grade Holiday Concert and drink Stephen's peppermint hot cocoa."  Briant did such a great job singing with gusto and remembering the words!  His favorite song of the night was DeGrazia's school song.

How fun that Aunt Suzanne and Grandma got to be here for the concert! We had a wonderful couple of days with them.  What a treat to see them both and spend some time with them! 

Notice how nice and spiffy BR looks?  Here is a bit of the conversation we had leading up to his wardrobe selection --
Me: "What are you supposed to wear tonight?"
BR:  "NOT my Santa hat!" (said unhappily)
Me:  "So, how about this nice red shirt - that's festive?"
BR:"Mrs. Allen said we have to wear our very best clothes."
Me: "Okay, so church clothes."
BR:"No, these (points to his basketball pants) are MY best clothes."
Me: "I don't think Mrs. Allen meant the clothes you LIKE best." 
Br: scowl, murmur, scowl . . ."Okay."

Sleep Tight

Just a random thought I didn't want to forget . . . When I was growing up my parents would tuck us into bed at night, give hugs and kisses, and as they were leaving the room say "sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite."  I always thought it was just a silly way of saying "have a good night's rest."  When I got older I was touring one of many old homes that I've toured in my life (so I can't remember which house it was) and learned the REAL STORY behind this expression.  When people slept on the old hay stuffed mattresses they would often need to TIGHTen the ropes under the mattress for a nice, firm rest AND there were very often BED BUGS in the hay that would bite during the night.  So, yes, this expression was a wish for a good night's rest . . . pretty much.  ANYWAY,  as I am a creature of habit I always tuck my kids in, give them hugs and kisses, and as I'm leaving their rooms I say "sleep tight" (I have omitted the bed bug part in recent years as my children have great imaginations and are susceptible to the power of suggestion -- if you know what I mean).  TONIGHT for the first time from any of my kids came this from my little S, "Mom, what sleep tight mean?"  I saved my explanation for the blog and told her "it just means have a good night's rest." 

Our Rock Star

E has wanted to play the electric bass for the last year and a half.  When she got one of the bass spots in band she was ecstatic!  Last night was her first concert, and it was great! I love how the electric bass really rounds out the sound of the band.  Everyone did a superb job!!  E blogged in detail on her post - so I'll send you there for the details and song samples, but I just had to spotlight her for a minute.  I'm really proud of her -- for her hard work, for facing a challenge, for overcoming nerves . . . it was a great night!  Rock on, E!