Happy New Year!

We lit fireworks to welcome in 2009. Brooklynn fell asleep around 11:30, and Ashlyn was too cold to stay outside, but McKinley was a trooper! Happy New Years!

Happy New Years! We did celebrate Christmas this year...twice. I just have been too busy to put any pictures up. I'm sure I'll get to it tomorrow. The boys are off to parties, and Will and I are having a wild night with the three little girls. The new barbie movie is on, (which is why I'm blogging) and later we will probably play a little wii fit. (I rock at the ski jumping!) Hope all of you have a wonderful New Year's Eve.

Surviving Sunday

I cannot express the joy that I felt today at 4:00. Yeah! I gave my lesson, and it was DONE!!! It was really quite a day. Conner sang his solo in Sacrament meeting. (Thanks again, Kathy) He sang "Oh come all ye faithful". He was asked to fill in for someone just yesterday, and we practiced a few songs yesterday morning, but couldn't really settle on one. So, he didn't even practice the song he sang until this morning. I was stressed, but Conner did great. I always get much more nervous than he does. So then I had to give my lesson in Relief Society. It was Elder Bednar's talk "Pray Always." Great talk, and all I had to do was take 35 minutes and not mess it up. Well, the lesson went fine. I survived. No one died of boredom, and Merry Christmas to me.... I have next month off because of ward conference. I found out right after my lesson was over, and my joy was complete!

THIS IS WHAT SUPERMAN REALLY LOOKS LIKE!!!!!

Yesterday, I was busy trying to finish up my lesson for Relief Society, and help Conner choose a song to sing for Sacrament Meeting. I came downstairs to take a break from studying , and found Will juggling the baby, and cleaning out the fridge!! I don't know what I would ever do without him. He is amazing! (He has been know to clean toilets too!) I love you Will!!

Practicing for Church

Conner got a call this morning to sing a solo in Church tomorrow. We went to Kathy's house to practice. (She is amazing, and played the songs perfectly without any practice!) We ran through three songs, and narrowed it down to these two. The song we cut was O Holy Night. It was awesome, but really tough, and a few parts were out of his range. Hopefully it all comes together before tomorrw.

Playing in Hawaii

The girls spread "reindeer food" on the snow tonight for Santa's team. You can see Ashlyn looking up to see if Santa might be near by.

Singing at the nursing home

Today Conner went with his voice teacher, and a few students to sing Christmas songs at a nursing home in the neighborhood. Conner sang "Grown up Christmas list" and "Believe" (the latter from Polar Express.) All the kids were talented, and did a great job. Our sweet friend came to accompy Conner on the piano. Thanks so much Kathy!! Anyway, here is part of Conner's song, Believe.

Grandpa's Birthday Dinner

Yesterday was my Dad's birthday, so we had him and Mom over for Dinner. The kids love it when they come over. Brennan helped me make Grandpa's favorite dessert- Lemon Meringue Pie. My little brother Bryan and his wife Nicole came over for dinner too, and showed us pictures from the cruise they just returned from.

It has been a busy weekend with two hockey games yesterday. Conner's team lost a hard fought battle at 2 to 3, and Brennan's team whooped the visitors at 7 to 2. I am happy to report that no injuries occured, and no fights broke out.

After the games we raced out to lunch with some girlfriends from college. It was wonderful to see them. When we get together it feels like hardly any time has passed at all! Then last night we went to a neighbors Christmas party. They have it every year, and it's great to see how their children have grown. (I used to babysit them!)

Today the young men/ young women had a Bethlehem supper for Christmas. Brennan played some Christmas music on his guitar with another young man, as everyone entered. During the program, Conner sang a solo. "O little town of Bethlehem." I was proud that they were willing to share their talents. It sounds like it was a great activity, that came to pass after lots of hard work by those involved.

Winter Sunrise

This morning we had the most beautiful sunrise. The salmon sky made an awesome contrast against the freshly fallen snow. I ran outside in my slippers so I could catch it!

Ashlyn's Christmas Dance Recital

Ashlyn had her Christmas dance recital on Saturday at the local High School. Their dance was called "Hot Chocolate!" The music is from Polar Express. She had lots of fun and looked really cute. (She loved the costumes.) I took a video of the dance and if I can get it to work, I will post it.

Snowdog!

It started snowing this morning and didn't stop until late afternoon. Our dog Meisha enjoyed playing in the snow, and even layed down to take a nap on the white stuff.

Hawaiian Vacation

Ashlyn reads with Santa

Ashlyn got to join a group of kids and read with Santa last night. She was given a great book, and a huge stocking filled with gifts. She was so excited! What a great activity. Thanks to all those who helped put this activity on.