Monday, December 21, 2009

A Night In Bethlehem





For our Ward Christmas activity this year, we planned a "Night In Bethlehem." It was alot of work, but so wonderful. We sent out decrees to everyone and asked them to dress in simple Biblical attire. They brought blankets to sit on and we served a light dinner that they purchased with beads at several different shops. There were also games, crafts, and other activities at "shops" that they could participate in. We ended the evening with a special movie presentation on the birth, life, death, and resurrection of the Savior. It was a great way to focus on the true meaning of Christmas, which can so easily get lost in the hustle and bustle of the world. Thanks to my amazing committee for making this possible.





Monday, November 23, 2009

One Past Post


Okay, so I wasn't going to look back at all I missed while absent from the blogging world, but I realized that I missed Kenzie's birthday. She's "officially" a teenager now, although everyone who knows her realizes that she has been a teenager her whole life. She has a very strong will and is very determined. You never have to guess where you stand with her - she wears her emotions on her sleeve. There is nothing fake about her!
We love you, Kenz. Your quick wit keeps us laughing and your ability to make friends is amazing. Happy 13th! (2 months late)

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Catchin' Up

I was trying to decide whether to comment on the fact that my last post was over three months ago, or just pretend I haven't been worried about it...
To keep it brief, the girls are all back in school and having new adventures. Syd is a class officer, played on the girls' soccer team, is a manager for the boys' basketball team, continues to love being on the dance company, and managed to get a 4.0 her first term. Kenz is loving the social aspects of junior high and making lots of new friends, while adjusting to the classwork. Emma is taking dance now and we are looking forward to her first recital. Maddy continues to be a brainiac and social butterfly. Britton is talking so much and getting way to big for my liking. I continue to juggle family, church, work, PTA, and try to work a little fun in there. I won't post all of the pictures I've taken the last three months, but here are a few from Halloween.
Britton was an adorable Dumbo. I wish I would have taken a picture of him from behind. The little tail on the costume was so cute as he walked.
Here is a close-up of Emma's version of Brunette Barbie.
Maddy decided to go the disturbing route this year. She and a good friend decided to wear matching pj's and go as "slumber party murder victims." Where do they come up with this stuff? Don took care of the make-up for this one. You get a better view on the close-up below.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Crazy Pictures

Yesterday was the Wavetronix Summer Party. For the first part, they had an open house at Don's office so that the employees' families could see what the different parts of the company do. The marketing department had a place set up to take some funny pictures and the kids had a great time. (We took Callie instead of Sydni) Britton would look at himself on the screen and laugh and laugh. I was laughing pretty hard at all of them, too. Enjoy a little silliness...

Friday, July 31, 2009

A Day In The Life...

After painting with nail polish...

and helping Dad mow the lawn...
It's nice to just relax!

Monday, July 27, 2009

Happy Birthday Britton

On July 17th, Britton turned two years old. Three years ago I couldn't imagine having a baby around again. Now, I can't imagine life without him. He loves to sing and can turn anything into a microphone. He loves to dance, especially with his sisters. In fact, he loves to do anything with his sisters. He is fiercely defensive of them and will scream if he thinks any one of them is actually being hurt. He loves motorcycles (calls them da-da-das) and his eyes light up whenever he sees or even hears one. He loves to be outside and chase the ants. He is scared of nobody and nothing - except for flies; they send him into an absolute panic. He has the most beautiful blue eyes and the sweetest smile, and we love him so much! Happy Birthday, little man!

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Independence Day

I know, I know - the 4th of July was two weeks ago... Humor me...

Every year we head to Sugarhouse Park to spend the day with my family. We even have a traditional spot. It is a great tradition and we love it! We play games, eat, hang out, and take lots of pictures. And then we watch an amazing fireworks show. This year did not disappoint...
So fun to spend the day with cousins; even more fun when you are "twins."
This was one of the many games played. This group was playing "Oodles" and I almost beat Jeremy. (but who's keeping track?)
Britton and Don took many walks to look for the "da-da-das" (motorcycles). He also had fun playing with his cousins. At one point he tried to wander off, but his 3-year old cousin, Savanah, spotted him before he could get too far. Still a scary moment and we were much more vigilant after that.There was a group of early-teen boys in the family group next to us that were keeping their eye on Kenzie all day. In fact, one of them was watching Kenzie instead of his dog while the dog peed on one of our camp chairs. Emma enjoyed a day where everyone was as laid-back as she usually is.
Syd is fourteen now, so she had to act like she didn't enjoy any of it. Britton and Gracie loved checking out the pictures that Aunt Heather was taking.
We wore the kids out. They needed a little rest before the fireworks. Some of the kids were nervous as the fireworks started, but I laid down on the blanket with them and we enjoyed the beautiful and amazing show exploding right above us! What a great day!

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Proud Mama

It was a long awards assembly, but at the end of it Emma had earned awards for Science Fair, Safety Patrol, National Physical Fitness, Iowa Testing, Honor Roll, and Presidential Academic Excellence. Maddy won awards for National Physical Fitness, Honor Roll, Top Citizenship, and Presidential Academic Excellence. Way to go, girls - I'm so proud of you!

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Girl's Day

We were so lucky to have my little sis up here for a week and a half from St. George. While she was here, my mom and all the daughters and daughters-in-law got together for a day to work on our service project. Each year at Christmas we use our money to do a service project instead of buying each other gifts. It has been a great tradition, and this year we are making hats and scarves for the homeless shelter for part of it. So, we spent the day knitting and crocheting while talking and laughing (and dealing with kids...). I have such a great family!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Family Reunion

We were able to attend the Leavitt Family Reunion a couple of weeks ago, and had a wonderful time. Don's parents, all 8 siblings, 7 spouses, and 26 of the 27 grandkids were all there. Syd had to miss it this year because of Youth Conference in our Stake. We stayed at Red Cedar Lodge up the canyon from Cedar City. There is one huge cabin and one smaller cabin with a large grassy area for tents, a really nice fire pit, and a small pond with boats a very short walk down the road. My sis-in-law Lyndee put so much work into it and it was great! (Thanks again, Lyndee!) The only "downer" was that Maddy was sick. She had gotten the swine flu, gotten better for a day, and then gotten sick again. We thought she was doing better, so we took her to the reunion. Poor thing really struggled. She wasn't eating anything, but was able to drink, but on Wednesday night, Don's brother, Russ, who is a paramedic and bro-in-law, Toran, who is a doctor, suggested that she should get an IV. Russ had brought his stuff with him and was able to do it right there so we didn't have to drive into town and pay the ER costs. She laid on our bed and we hung the IV from a log coat rack. She was so brave. That really seemed to help her, and we are so grateful for their knowledge and expertise. I'll post more about her condition in my next post (which you may read before this).
On the way home we stopped at a few "scenic overlooks." This one was overlooking Zion Canyon National Park from the "backside." You really can't see it in the picture, but it was absolutely beautiful.
Then we stopped at a park in the middle of Fillmore. They have a really nice rest area, and when we have the time it's a nice break for the kids to be able to play on the playground.
Britton was standing at the bottom of a slide telling Emma, "Ready...Set...Go!"
...and then laughing hysterically as she hit the ground and sent rocks flying.
Yeah....Maddy wasn't having too much fun at the park...poor thing.