Austin earns his BEAR award

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Tonight at our December pack meeting Austin earned his Bear award. I am proud of him for working hard in Cub Scouts. His leaders are Carolyn Stewart and Lorene Belnap. He enjoys going to his den meeting each week and has fun with his friends. He now has 4 months to earn arrows before he moves into Webelos.

Great job Austin we are proud of all your hard work! LOVE YOU

Nutcracker

Thursday, December 13, 2013

For the first time the nutcracker came to Ontario! I knew this would be a perfect mommy date for my ballet girls and I.

After piano was over I took the boys and Lucy back to Vale and then the girls and I turned right back around to Ontario. We stopped at Subway for a quick to go dinner. We were able to find pretty good seats on the third row. Ruth sat on my lap the entire time and was so engaged in the performance. She couldn't stop asking questions! I had to (repeatedly) remind her to be quiet. :) They had local kids place the parts of mice and angels and we knew quite a few of them. That made the performance even more fun. Next year both of them want to try out ;)

They both fell asleep before we left Ontario. It was the most perfect December mommy date. Love my girls.

Ballet Recital

Monday, December 10, 2012

Tonight was Ruth's final ballet recital for the season. She was just as cute as can be! Like the other two previous performances she danced with confidence and excitement. I love that she smiles and has fun! It is so fun to watch her. She danced to "We wish you a Merry Christmas" and "Santa's Doing the Mambo."

She was so excited about the flowers and treats from mom and dad. So proud of our little dancing star.

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.