Piano

Ashlee and Ben played in Festival on Saturday, and each got a blue Superior ribbon!  Ben got a trophy too, because after 3 years of getting Superiors, you get a trophy.  Here they are with their piano teacher, Mrs. Jensen. 

Ben's Pioneer Day

In 3rd grade, the kids get to research a famous pioneer, then on Pioneer day they have to dress up like their pioneer and present their information they have learned.  They also get to play games, and learn how to square dance like the pioneers.

I came for the last 30 minutes of the school day, while they were doing the square dancing, and I got to be Ben's partner for the dance!  It was so fun.  I loved every minute of it.  We also danced in one big circle and did other type dances as well. 

Here is Ben with his best friend, Brandon Beard.  These two are inseparable.  

What a fun day!

Ashlee's Moana Beach Luau Birthday

I have been close to tears many times thinking about how Ashlee will be turning 12 soon.  It was a milestone I was not ready for.  How can she be that old, and going into Young Women's?  She is officially not a child any more, but is blossoming into a beautiful young woman.  That makes me happy, but also sad at the same time.

For her birthday party, she had a hard time narrowing down her options, but finally decided on having a Mystery Dinner and going to watch a movie at the dollar theater.  The movie we decided to see was Moana, so we made it into a "beach" dinner theme. Here are all the girls enjoying the special feast.

And here's the menu we came up with.

We tried to include all of Ashlee's favorite foods:  

Anemones= spaghetti

Sand Castle= creamy mashed potatoes

Pirate's Hook= fork

Titanic's Demise= smoothie

Jelly Fish= fruit salad

Sand dollar= york

Sea Shells= doritos

Fishing Net = spoon

Sea Weed = green salad

Palm Trees = Bagel bites

I think Ashlee and all her friends had a good time.

I bought some little umbrellas to put in the smoothie drinks.  I think that added a nice touch.

Here's the lime poke cake I made (Ashlee's request).  It was yummy.   There is one of those fireworks candles in the middle of the cake-- that has become a necessary part of every birthday.  :)

I can't believe this girl is 12!

I love her more than words can say.

She is playful and fun.  Loves to joke around.

But above all, she has a super sweet spirit, and a kind, loving heart.

We love you Ashlee!  We are so glad you are part of our family!!!

Valentine's Day-- Making New Traditions

This year for Valentine's Day I tried to start a few new traditions.  We have always done Valentine's boxes and store-bought valentines, but this year I tried to add a few more things to make the day seem more special.  For starters, I made each kid a special lunch with all (or most things) red.  The Jello was something new that my kids hadn't seen in their lunches before, and Sam declared afterwards that he hated jello.  

Ben, when he saw what was in his lunch at school, saw the jello and decided he must have someone else's lunch and did not eat any of it.  He brought it home untouched.  

Ashlee liked the lunch, although while I was trying to make it in the morning, she was very nosy and kept trying to see what I was putting in it.  I wanted it to be a surprise, so I told her to go fix her hair.

I also put in a few Valentine's jokes in their lunches for the first time ever, and I think none of the kids actually noticed that they were in there.  :)

Here are Ben's valentines.  He gave out Star Wars valentines, while Sam gave out Fun Dips (as per their requests.)

Here is Ben's very fancy "homemade" star wars box.  I saw a Star Wars valentine's box at the store, and bought it thinking it would save me time.  I brought it home and when we tried to put it together, we found out it was a piece of junk.  No instructions, very flimsy and small, and would NOT work.  So we just used the image it came with and stuck it on the front of a box we covered with white tissue paper. Simple + happy kid = success.

I signed up to bring chocolate covered pretzels for Sam's class and had fun making them with the kids.  Ashlee and Ben were jealous I didn't make anything for their classes.  I usually try to make some kind of treat for Valentine's day, usually sugar cookies.  But this year I had already made a bunch of those for Activity Days, so chocolate covered pretzels is a nice substitution.  :)

Also for the first time this year, I decided to cover each person's bedroom door with a heart attack.  The night before, I had each kid make a heart valentine for each person in the family.  I didn't tell them what we were going to do with them and they couldn't see the others' valentines.  It made my heart happy to see their little smiles in the morning!

Also, Gabe had been gone on a business trip to Mexico, but just got back that evening.  He was thrilled to see all the valentines on his door too and gave us all big hugs when he saw us.  He gave me a beautiful bouquet of roses, and then we all sat down to a candlelight dinner of homemade Cafe Rio salads.  I'd say it was a Valentine's Day success, and I hope to make these things part of our Valentine's Day traditions.

Joey's Homecoming!

Joey arrived home from his mission on February 9th, and we all greeted him at the airport with signs and balloons, and hugs and kisses.  It is so good to see him again!  Isn't this a good looking family!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Another year older, and (hopefully) wiser.

Happy birthday to me!

A New Year-- A Fresh Start

I have had in my mind a lot that I want to keep blogging, and recording all our family's memorable moments and yet I never get around to it.  Well, the new year gives me a fresh start.  So yet again, I will try again.