TWELVE

Today is our 12 year anniversary. It has been an amazing journey and I'm super grateful for an amazing husband.

He planned a super date for us yesterday {Saturday} because its hard to celebrate on Sunday. We went shopping, ate out {twice!}, had a fabulous temple session, and then finished the night with Handel's Messiah by the Boise Philharmonic. It was so AMAZING! What an inspired work of music for our Savior. I love that Kurt planned the day and kept it a surprise {which he has NEVER done before!} And obviously it wasn't his first choice but he knew I would love it and so he made it happen. That means a lot to me. What a great man. I've been so blessed! The blessings of a temple marriage are real.

Merry Kerri Christmas

Saturday, December 8, 2012

We love Kerri. She is a loyal friend. And helps us out SO much taking the kids to school in the morning. She has had some health problems this year and is having surgery next week. I wanted her to know how much we love and appreciate her. Thus the Merry Kerri Christmas party was planned.

I asked each of the kids to plan an activity for the party.

Ruth and I had prepared this fruit Christmas tree and so we snacked on it. Lucy was in HEAVEN. She ate more than half of the watermelon {and yes, her shirt was completely soaked from all the juice.)  

We started with Emma's activities. She had two games planned: pin the star on the tree and don't eat Santa. And guess what, Lucy loved the Don't Eat Santa game too!

Austin also made a game. No mercy when you go to jail in Austin's world. 

Spencer said he couldn't decide between a nap or dance party ;) Obviously we rocked out!

For Ruth's activity we had made cookie dough before hand and so proceeded to cut out sugar cookies. While they were baking we watched the original "Grinch."

We decorated when the movie was over {we have mad skills!}

Kerri had a good time and felt loved. That was our whole purpose. It felt great to do something for her. Service is quite amazing. I'll never get enough. I think we may have started a new tradition too. Merry Kerri Christmas!

Girl Scout Awards Night

Monday, December 3, 2012

We had our first award ceremony tonight for the Girl Scouts. I encouraged the leaders to have a night to recognize the girls for all their hard work. The Juniors (the group I'm teaching this year with Maria Palomo) earned two badges: Drawing and Flower.
The girls led out and explained to the parents what we did to earn the badge.

Emma in her Brownie troop earned Art and Play Fair.

It was a good night and we have lots of girls involved in a positive thing.

GBHM Party

Thursday, December 6, 2012

I love to host family events for the preschoolers. The Gingerbread House Making party has always been one of my favorites. This year was no exception. Plus our new place is great for hosting (anything!)

Kurt was a fabulous help as always! During the first class he rolled out real gingerbread cookies with Ruth from the dough I had made earlier. During the second class my kids jumped in and were able to make their houses. Austin and Emma did everything on their own this year (including construction with glue gun and frosting.) Independence brings confidence. Proud of them.

Ruth was adorable and loved every minute of it and was sure to tell me how much fun she had. "Thanks mom! This is so much fun." I sure love that preschooler of mine.

Price of Cool Tricks

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Spence can do back flips now! I have been waiting for this day since he started gymnastics. How awesome.

He was standing on the edge of a wooden box full of big foam piece and flipped off backwards. It was so cool! He did it a few more times then went back to class. Throughout the class he would come over to the sponge pit and do a few more.

There was just a few minutes of class left when I heard Spence screaming. I ran over and he had a huge goose egg on his forehead and blood down his face. He was hurting pretty bad. That last back flip he came up too short and his face drug across the wood box. Ouch.

So I might be a crazy mom cause I think this battle wound is so awesome and he needs to brag it up! Spence can do back flips.

Right after it happened.

4 days later.

Disney on Ice

Friday, November 30, 2012

Four years ago Disney on Ice came to Boise and I bought tickets for the opening night knowing we were headed out of town the next day (Leavensworth,WA.) The day of the show they canceled because the ice wasn't ready. The make-up showing would be that Sunday (we would be out of town still but wouldn't go regardless!)

I was SO disappointed.

When I heard Disney on Ice was coming in November I knew we couldn't miss the chance! I used my preschool money to buy tickets. I wanted good seats and spent a little more than normal. I didn't realize until we got there how good they were! I decided not to bring Lucy, she is so busy and doesn't sit anywhere. Dry long! It was probably a good decision but we all missed her and it felt so weird that she wasn't there.

The show was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!! For me it was even more fun to watch the kids reactions. They were mesmerized! I didn't expect them to be such talented skaters. They were doing spins, and lifts and twirling in the air, all very cool. It reminded me of our wonderful trip to Disneyland earlier this year. Magical.

Dancing Queen

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Ruth had her first {of three} ballet performance of the season. They were the half time entertainment of the  boys varsity basketball game. She was SO excited all day about it. Last time she was suppose to dance in the HS gym is completely froze {Donkey BB 2012.} She has had other successful dancing performances since that time so I knew she would be fine. Plus she LOVES it.

Since I don't watch her during class {I take the boys to gymnastics} I really enjoyed seeing her dance. It was adorable. But really RUTH was so so SO cute. I couldn't get over it and I should probably stop now before my sisters accuse me of bragging.

But really she was. FACT.

She came out grinning and waving at us. And smiled the ENTIRE time. You could tell she was having fun. These are a totally fun moments of being a mom of girls. Love, love, love it!