A Silly Santa

We woke up to a blanket of white outside this morning.

The kids got bundled up and we were off to school.

It was only fitting to listen to Christmas music as we watched the snow fall on the streets. Nathan got us all in the mood with his outfit and dance moves!  We could not stop laughing.  He sure knows how to get everyone in the mood for a good time.

A Special Saturday...

 We got to wake up early and head down to Castle Rock to attend a very special event.  A girl that Justin grew up with has a daughter that is struggling with cancer. 

Family and friends of theirs put together a 5K to help with some of the medical costs.

We were honored to run for little 3 year old Presley.

The boys did great!  Nathan took off ahead of all of us on his scooter and Kendall ran with Justin.  About 1/4 of the way left, Justin stuck Kendall on his shoulders and off they went.  I brought up the back with our other friend, Shalyn.

The boys got their face painted, jumped in the bounce house, ate grape cotton candy, and left with balloon animals. 

Our prayers go out to Presley and her family and every time we wear her "run for Presley" shirt we are reminded of this sweet little girl.

We headed home to change our clothes and went up to the boys school to help with a service project our ward was doing.

A sister in our ward had recently died.  A few years earlier she found out she had cancer when she was PTA president of the boys school.

She had tended the gardens out back next to the playground and since she has been sick they had been very neglected.

Our ward got busy to work with gloves and tools and in no time had the gardens looking beautiful.

It was a perfect day for some gardening and time to reflect on sweet Paula.

  Cada (a girl in the ward who just graduated from culinary school) put on the most gourmet lunch we had ever eaten as a picnic.  It made it very special.

I hope when they go out to play for recess they will see those beautiful gardens and think of that day we went to honor Paula.

Indian Chief

 Nathan had to do a book report presentation at school and had to pick an interesting person from the "old days" to talk about.  After throwing a few ideas up in the air he finally solidified it with a little help from Papa. He was going to be Chief Sitting Bull.

After checking out the book from the library, doing lots of research, making note cards, and practicing he was finally ready to transform into the chief.

The day of his report, Justin and I were able to meet at the school.  We walked down the hall and the smell of a delicious feast greeted us when we entered the room.  It looked like Thanksgiving.  The children all wore their costumes and were eating a hearty meal from their desks as they watched and cheered for each presentation.

You could tell they were loving this special day at school.

As I watched Nathan do his report I couldn't help but think he looked like an eighth grader.

After his presentation we turned to leave and Nathan came running up to us.  He scooped us up by our legs and shouted, "group hug!" 

It was a great moment.

 I love how his eyes look black with a little twinkle.  Perfect for an Indian.

The General Conference Board

Before:

 After:

 About eight months ago after I found this on pinterest, I knew I wanted to make one for our family.

Each night after the boys went to bed I would pull out the project and work on it.

This conference it was finally ready to be put to some use. 

If you are wanting to make one for your family I would say, do it!  The boys loved it and paid attention to the speakers.

My favorite part is that it is heavy duty and will be around for many conferences to come.

It is always nice to have something for the kids during conference but my favorite part is the feeling that lasts the entire weekend.  The talks this conference were amazing.  I have several favorites and can't wait to re-read and listen to them.

Todd, Martha, and Buddy came down and spent the night.  When the boys watched the Priesthood session, Mom, Martha, Buddy and I went out for frozen yogurt.

We each took turns being in charge of different meals and snacks.  After the Sunday session Natalie came over and did the girls up with her new shellac system.  We all felt so pampered!

It was relaxing and uplifting.  I feel inspired and happy.

I love this family of mine!

What Was I Thinking?

 I had things organized down to the last perfect detail and by the time we did it, all things derailed.

Justin got off work early so that he could take the boys and I up into the mountains for a scenic drive to see natures hand at work; a swirl of colors deep and rich before the hard freeze hit.  This time of year I look so forward to.

Snacks were packed, jackets tucked around our waist, and the camera was ready to capture glorious sights.

I was pushing myself for about a week and about 30 minutes into our journey I became extremely ill in the car.  Just as we had pulled off into a field lined with golden aspens and crimson shrub oak bushes I could not move.  My heart sank with disappointment as I told Justin we needed to turn around.

I handed him the camera and asked him to snap a few pictures so that later when I was going through the pictures I would be able to enjoy them and see that our family was having a "normal outing" free of a sick mom.

It was the longest car ride home and I didn't remember the twists and turns of the road being so intense and painful before.  My body was in a rage and my face was so intensely burning.  The talking in the car turned into a muffled sounds and the scenery outside was blurry.  I honestly don't remember getting into the house or into bed.

I awoke the next morning with my heart full of gratitude for priesthood blessings and a two little boys- who even though lots of times their fun is cut short, they understand.

SIX... For Mr. K

Another year, another birthday to celebrate!  SIX years old.  It's time to celebrate the happiest, sweetest SIX year old we know!  Excitement fills my heart to see what this year will bring for Kendall.

He woke up to his doorway decked out with streamers, a tradition we have done since the boys were wee little ones, and his gifts ready to open after a birthday breakfast!

Kendall choose his name in M&M pancakes.  He loved them so much that when his teacher sent home the "birthday binder" he decided he would like to write about them.

We all wore silly candle glasses and watched Kendall open presents.  He got a maze book, some warm clothes, and a blue scooter.  Now he would finally be able to race with Nathan.

Six things I love about this boy:

1. His level of compassion is beyond his age.  When he grows up he wants to become a doctor so that he can "get mom better."  When I'm sick on the couch, he is constantly tucking me in, stroking my forehead, and gently kissing my cheek. 

2. He is a prayer warrior.  He does not miss a prayer without praying for someone who is struggling.  One day he started praying for a girl I did not know.  I asked him who she was and he said that his primary teacher told a story about a girl who was in and out of the hospital with feeding tubes struggling to live.  Now, our entire family prays for this young mom fervently.

3. He loves to work and works hard.  I hope this quality spills over into his teenage years and into adulthood.  When someone is doing a job, Kendall is right beside them.  I just taught him how to clean an entire bathroom from top to bottom.  With his gloves on and cleaning supplies lined up he spends an hour trying to make it sparkle and makes sure every last bit is clean.

4. He is aware of others.  He can often feel how others are feeling and if they are having a hard time he is able to reach out and tries to make them better.  

5. He loves little kids. He is sweet and gentle and kind to them.   He can play with them for hours.  In fact, I find myself giving him quarters for entertaining and occupying them for hours.

6. He is brave.  He has overcome and conquered difficult things this year.  He now happily goes to a new primary and a new school. This was very hard for him this year.  It has made him realize that he can do hard things.  It has also made me realize he is growing up.

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 We invited a few friends over on the weekend and had a NINJA party!  Kendall was decked out in full costume and gave out ninja headbands as the kids came.

It was time for a training session.  Justin transformed into a Sensei and spoke Japanese as he taught the kids punches and kicks. It was a highlight for sure!

With the new moves the kids learned it only seemed fitting that they have a sword to go with them.  Earlier in the week Kendall and I spray painted paint sticks metallic silver. The kids wrapped black duct tape around the handle and added their names.

We headed downstairs to ninja dance to "What Does the Fox Say."  My friend Natalie, headed up the dance party and shook the roof off with 12 little dancers.

The party took another turn as the kids struck a Chinese star pinata with their swords.  After they each had a turn, Elena gave it a final whack and all the candy flew out!

We wrapped the party up with present opening, ninja cupcakes and rice krispie sushi.

Those kids really made the party fun and unforgettable!

 Zach, Nathan, Justin, Bradley, Jeni, Rion, Ryan, Mckenna, Paige, Kendall, Elena, Blake, Barrett

Rain Walk

Our family was able to witness a hundred year flood.  Most of the destruction was up north and in the mountains.

The damage was devastating and scary and there was much suffering going on very close to us.

We were lucky to receive a rain shower that lasted an entire week but no flooding.

It had been awhile since we had been outside so on Sunday afternoon we decided it would be best to go on a "rain walk."

Kendall played in the puddles with long sticks and we got ourselves soaked in the chilly mist.  I listened to the chatter and felt content to be with this little family of mine.

The Ninth Grandchild?

 A party was in full force to see what baby number two would be for Todd and Martha.

We all went around and guessed a boy or girl.  The majority guessed a girl so imagine our surprise when Todd reached in the sealed envelope and threw up a BLUE ribbon!

Every one went wild and most of us were in shock... a good shock!  Lets see, that will be....

8-BOYS

1-GIRL

  

(I took a few pictures before of some of the kiddos and took none of the reveal, shoot!)

The Kissing Hand

 This is by far one of my most favorite books in our library.

We have read it so many times that it is now a favorite for each of the boys.

 A must do tradition when sending off a kindergartner or when your kids are going through a change that is tough for them.

 Pages are wrinkled and dog eared and lines are memorized.

And now the boys' tiny hands hold millions of kisses that go with them wherever they go.

Not All Cousins Have To Be Boys...

To be FUN!!!

Justin's brother had been in a horrible bike accident and he had to be flown to Salt Lake City for surgery. We were able to go to Grand Junction and stay with my nieces for awhile while their parents were in Utah.

It was a really scary time especially for Claire and Hannah.  We had to become the masters of distraction for a bit and we had the perfect secret weapons... Nathan and Kendall.

The instant we arrived the kids transformed into Mr. and Mrs. Giggles.  It was so great to see the kids picking up right where they left off. 

We played a 3 hour game of monopoly, ate sandwiches, went on walks, played "Are You There" in the dark, fetched with Belle-the dog, listened to piano performances, talked, sang, ate peaches, did spotlights, and snuggled.

We even managed to go to the train station for breakfast and watch how you make toffee at the candy factory while the girls were at school.

We love these "girl cousins" and are so glad their dad is doing better and their whole family is home, together.