Turning 5!

I can't believe my baby is 5 today!  We've had so much fun together.  We do everything together.  We run errands together, shop together, play together, read together, sing together, play the piano together, occasionally play the Wii together, color together, take naps together... I just love this little boy so much.

Ford has been mistaken for a kindergardener, lately.  Many people have asked, 'No school today?'  To which I reply, 'He's only 4.'  The jaws drop and they can't figure out why he's so tall.  He's not that tall.  And actually he can't wait to start kindergarden.  He loves preschool but he can't wait to be a big kid like his other siblings.

Ford is so funny.  He makes me laugh everyday.  And most nights when we tell him it's time for bed, he gives us a kiss, and heads off to bed.  Our bed!  Tuesday night, as I was reading in bed, he asked me to get him a water bottle.  I said, 'Today, I helped you make your lunch, tied your shoes, read books to you, drove you to preschool, let you play the Wii, did your hair, made you pancakes, made you dinner, gave you a hug, and let you eat some of my pretzels.  What did you do for me, today?'  He said, 'I helped you make my lunch, emptied the dishwasher, put my feet on your feet, got in your bed, gave you a kiss and a hug....'  I said, 'All those things are great, Ford.  But I did 10 things for you and I think you should get me a water bottle.'  He looked at me with those big hazel eyes and said, 'Mom, you're the best mom in the whole wide world.'  Tears came to my eyes and I said, 'I love you.  So I'll go get you a water bottle.'

Ford is kind and tender hearted.  He loves all sports, legos, Star Wars, and learning.  He is such a wonderful part of our family.  We love you so much, Ford.  Our family wouldn't be complete without you.

Happy Birthday!

What's on your 'plate' for today?

The Articles of Faith

Tonight for FHE, we talked about the Articles of Faith.  The Articles of Faith are what we, Latter-Day Saints, believe...and if we know them...we can share them with our friends.  I remember a time in high school when a friend of mine asked me, ‘What do Mormons believe?’  I will admit that I hadn’t memorized all 13 Articles of Faith but I knew some of them.  I felt prepared to share the gospel simply by knowing my Articles of Faith.  

When girls and boys in our church turn 8, they are able to participate in the Faith in God program.  As part of the Faith in God program, these children are asked to memorize all 13 Articles of Faith.  Kennidy has already passed off her 13...but Adam still has some to memorize and Makinley will have to memorize her’s starting in July.

Best Job in the World

We've come to the end of our snowboarding season.  This time of year is so sad for Kennidy, Adam, and me.  When we have to come back to normal life and Friday responsibilities.  We had a great time this snowboarding season.  Adam's friend, Kobey, joined us on the slopes along with his mom, Jenni.  Kobey exceeded everyone's expectations for a first time skier!  He did awesome.  Adam conquered many blue square slopes as well as a couple black diamonds!  He and Kennidy learned to brave the trees this year and freaked me out with all they wanted to try.  I stuck to the green slopes to try and perfect my skills.  By the end of the season, I was on the blue squares and doing great!  I don't even mind going fast anymore.

On the last day of the season, Brandon, Wayne, Jenni, and Oakley joined us for a fun filled day on the slopes.  We had the best time.  All day skiing and boarding!  And how, do you ask, do I find time to do all these things?  Because I have the best job on the planet!  I am a stay at home mom!  I not only look after my children...but I get to snowboard with them, too!  It's awesome.  I am a multi-tasker (snowboard and watch my kids at the same time) who loves her job, her kids, and her amazingly handsome husband!  Life doesn't get any better than this.

P is for PIE

Preschoolers are on the letter 'P'. We thought of some great words that begin with 'P'.

Pizza
Pepperoni
Pumpkin
Preschool
Project
Poodle
Puppy
Pineapple
Penguin
Peanut
Pony
Princess
Prince
Pepper
Puddle
Pig
Peaches
Pickles
Plum
Popcorn...
and PIE!
What a fun letter! We used our air popper to pop popcorn. The kids loved it. And while they ate their yummy popcorn...I made PIE! And will admit that after they left, I ate some pie. It wasn't ready until 20 min. after they went home. And it was not intended for preschool. But it was intended to be perfectly delicious!

New Beginnings

Kennidy's first activity in YW's was New Beginnings.  She was really excited and a little nervous.  Our YW had a nice dinner with the girls and their moms.  The new Personal Progress was introduced a long with other recognition the girls may earn.  Kennidy is so excited for this.  My little over achiever!

Our YW's President had taken pictures of Kennidy and I a couple weeks ago at church and then asked for some baby/toddler pictures of each of us.  I had a hard time finding pictures of Kennidy without me in them.   


We had a great night. 

Happy Birthday, Kennidy!

12 years ago, our family was blessed with a beautiful baby girl.  We named her Kennidy.    Kennidy was just the beginning of our sweet family.  It was because of this sweet girl that we had more children.  She’s independent, smart, funny, kind, generous, helpful, hard working, talented in many different areas such as piano, snowboarding, soccer...she loves to read, write her own stories, be with her friends, ride bikes, and swim.  She enjoys cooking, making crafts, and listening to music.  Kennidy brings laughter and sunshine into our home.  She has a testimony that Jesus is the Christ, and that we have a Heavenly Father who loves her.  She has a testimony of modern prophets.  She knows that we can receive personal revelation and that the prophets receive revelation for us.  She has a testimony of Joseph Smith.  Kennidy knows that he was a prophet of God and that he restored God’s church on the earth in these last days.  Kennidy loves her family, friends, and teachers and I know this by the way she treats them.  We are honored to be her parents.  Kennidy has taught us so much in the 12 years she has been in our family and we love her so much.  We look forward to many more days with her.  Happy Birthday, Kennidy.  You are becoming a beautiful young lady.  And your Heavenly Father is pleased with the choices you are making at this time in your life.  He loves you...and so do we.  So much.

Snow Much Fun

I was suppose to go snowboarding with Kennidy and Adam today but was 'grounded'. I have been sick and my loving husband didn't want me to get any sicker so I stayed home. And my good friend, Paula, called and asked Ford and I to go sledding. Yeah! She said, 'Bring your snowboard.' So I did. She had a small one Ford tried out. And he was AMAZING! He went down that little hill like a pro. Thanks, Paula, for the pics. I just love them! Ford, you amaze me with your natural abilities!

O is for OWL?

Okay so phonetically it's not the best choice for O.  I should have done Octopus.  But I just had to use my Silhouette's cute Owl.  And the kids loved them.  I'll have to see if Quikutz has an Octopus.  Anyway...here are our preschoolers and their OWLS!  Love it!

Any excuse to have a BBQ

Brandon asked me at the beginning of last week to call some families to come over for a BBQ on Monday.  So I thought about it and ended up calling 7 families. Only 6 were able to come and we had a great time.


We divided all the food assignments and by Saturday we were almost ready. Brandon didn't think we could fit 43 people in our house but we did! Despite the crummy weather, we had yummy food, great company, and a surprise visit from the police! Apparently, some of our teenage boys decided it would be fun to torment and chase the local geese near our home. Well a neighbor called it in and wanted the police to check it out. So they came. When they saw the Principal of the High School at the door they said, 'We knew you'd be associated with something like this!' What fun.


Our good Bishop's wife, Paula, said she'd never been to such an exciting party before. Well that happens when you have a wild crew...the Bishop, RS President, YM President, and the Principal of Dayton HS. We're crazy!


The boys played football outside in the snow/rain while the little girls played dress up and house. Ford had fallen asleep before the festivities began and was missed for the first hour and a half. His little friends kept asking, 'Is Ford awake?'


We had so much good food I couldn't stop eating.  Or drinking the Caffeine Free Coke that the Petersons brought.  YUM.  And those BYU Mint Brownies!  Thanks for the recipe Kendra.  You were totally thought of by all.  I made an entire cookie sheet of them and put as many as I could fit on 2 plates.  Then I put some aside for our family.  Those brownies were gone in no time.  Along with the Chocolate Chip Banana Bread!  


We love having our friends over.  Thanks everyone who came and for bringing food.  We had a great time hanging out and spending time with you.  


Yes, Monday was MLK Day...and Barry said, jokingly, 'I didn't know you guys celebrated MLK Day so big.  I guess I don't have to ask how you voted.'  We didn't vote for the current President but we'll take any excuse to have a BBQ!

Snowboarding

Kennidy, Adam, and I have been snowboarding for 2 weeks now. I am reminded why I love it so much. And this week, Mt. Rose is suppose to get between 7 and 10 FEET of snow! Oh, I hope so. The kids are really perfecting their techniques this year. But there favorite part of the whole day is after lunch. They get to snowboard with all their friends. Kennidy took a challenge from Laton to see who could reach the bottom of the slope first. Kennidy won but that was before I learned that Laton was trying to do 180's and all the jumps. Next time maybe he'll show Kennidy how to go off the jumps!

The Heussers and Petersons came on Friday and we all had a great time. Their kids are awesome on the slopes. All, but Brady, ski. He snowboards. We went on 'Around the World' and 'Kit Carson'. I was reminded how much I don't like Kit Carson. I really have to work on that slope. It's straight down. I like the more level slopes. I told Bridget that the next time they come, she, Paula, and I should go off the jumps!  I have only done it once.  But I think it would make for some really good pics.

Can't wait for this Friday!

The Most Talented BIL

My BIL (brother in law), Joseph, is an incredible artist.  Years ago, I asked him to sketch my kids for me. I gave him my favorite photo and this is what he gave us for Christmas that year.  

I cried it was so beautifully done. I found the picture so all could see the amazing resemblance. Joseph, you are such a talent young man.

Joseph is currently at BYU in their animation department. He is incredible! You can see his art work by clicking on his link under my 'Family Links'...Joe and Kat...then clicking on his link 'Joe's Artwork'.  He has since married a beautiful young lady, Kathryn.  And they have the cutest little boy, Shadrach.  We love them so much.

I have finally framed it, today, and it hangs over Brandon's dresser.  I chose to do this instead of working on my lesson for RS tomorrow or new VTing routes.  I'm such a procrastinator.  But I love it.  Now I need an updated one.  Oh, Joseph!

Homemade Gifts for Christmas

Once again my family amazed me with their homemade Christmas gifts for each other.  They are all so talented.

Brandon picked Ford, this year, and after a lot of precrastinating...he made Ford the coolest baseball pillowcase. Brandon did all by himself using his made sewing skills. What a great dad!

I picked Adam's name. I made him a Star Wars magnet board complete with Lego magnets from the Lego store.

Kennidy picked my name and went onto Shutterfly and made me the cutest book complete with pictures of my favorite people. Family and friends. I loved it.

Adam picked Makinley. He made her a checkbook. It was way cute. At the last minute...and by that I mean Christmas Eve...I whipped up a wallet to put her checkbook in. It's nothing fancy because I used what fabric pieces I had lying around. Maybe next time I'll think ahead and get some cute fabric.

Makinley picked Dad. She made him a DVD with photos and music. It was adorable and I love all the pictures she chose.

And Ford picked Kennidy. We went to the fabric store and he picked out some purple fabric to make Kennidy an apron. After we were done sewing it he gave it lots of kisses. So on the tag we wrote...Made with lots of kisses from Ford.

Some other gifts I made for the kids were...2 Star Wars Posters (thanks to my Silhouette), Crochet Hat and Scarf, 2 Super Hero Capes, Christmas Countdown (thanks to my Silhouette), Creswells Est. board (thanks to my Silhouette), and a Christmas Card (again, thanks to my Silhouette. I love this machine).

12 Days of Christmas for Brandon

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...one action packed G.I. Joe movie, a kiss and a really long hug.

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...one mug's root beer and a gallon of vanilla ice cream.

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...3 bowls worth of Honeycombs and hopefully a little bit more.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...4 FUSION razors.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...5 love notes (one from each of his kids and me).

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...a new family photo for his office with the six members of our family.

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...a 700 calorie dinner. (It was suppose to be a breakfast but we went to the temple that morning so I made a dinner with French Toast, bacon, peaches, toast, juice, and cornbread)

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...8 oz. of Red Vines.

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...9 hugs and kisses. (When Brandon came home from work, we all lined up by the door and sang...'On the 9th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...' And one at a time we ran up to dad and gave him a kiss and a hug then counted ONE! The next person would go and we would shout TWO...and so on an so forth.

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...a towel to dry his 10 toes after his shower.

On the 11th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...10.5 oz. of BBQ Chips.

On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...a coming soon calendar with 12 months of love.

Church is Canceled!

Okay I know we live in the desert and all...and most people aren't use to driving in the snow... but come on!

Saturday night it started snowing again.  It snowed pretty much all day.  Then we get a call from the Bishop asking me to start the 'RS Calling Tree' to let everyone know that there will be no church tomorrow.  Okay.  I didn't really have to call that many people but it seemed like I called all those that have lived in Utah and Alaska because the responses I got were hilarious.

'We'd go to church in -6 degree weather.'

'Just get the snow plows out and plow the roads for goodness sake!'

'We're still having choir practice at 4 pm.' (Okay this one wasn't until Sunday afternoon)

I love it.  These people just really wanted to go to church!

SNOW in the desert

Sunday night it snowed here in Dayton. It snowed 10 inches! And at 6 am Monday morning I got a call from the school saying that school had been canceled for the day. The kids were so excited! They played for hours outside.  I swear my kids grow so fast.  Ford grew out of his snow boots and his winter coat.  Makinley and Ford need gloves and snow pants.  Makinley and Kennidy grew out of their snow boots, too.  Luckily, Makinley can wear Kennidy's old boots and Kennidy has been wearing mine.  Guess what I'm asking for Christmas?  Brandon even took the day off to play. He shoveled the driveway and later in the day he took the kids to play ball at the church.  

Later in the afternoon the kids made me these giant snowflakes.  I love them!  They made 8.  We hung them from the ceilings and in the windows.

The next day, school was canceled again due to road conditions. The message said, 'We will be canceling all schools in Lyon County to give road workers time to clean up the snow.' We're friends with the principle of the high school and at 3pm he said that no one had been over to the high school to plow the parking lot. The roads are sad. Not too bad but getting icy. The kids don't mind because it's NO SCHOOL!

Tuesday, Jenni took the kids to play at the church and it gave me some time to run some errands. I love friends! All the kids had so much fun together. And even when I got back from errands we stayed at Jenni's for a couple of hours.  What a fun day.

Charlie Brown Tree

This will be the 3rd real Christmas tree we've gotten while living here in Dayton.  And the 2nd year I have not been able to go.  And it's not because of priorities.  The 1st year, Makinley was sick and this year it was planned for the day of the Holiday Bazaar...planned to go get a tree the Wednesday before.  

But Brandon being the wonderful husband he is...knows me well and knows that I really like the fullest of all the Charlie Brown trees.  He did really well.  Thanks family for getting a great tree.  Wish I could've been there with you!

Ornament Exchange

I am also participating in an Ornament Exchange this week.  I new I'd be busy this week so I got my ornaments done in advance and so glad I did because Emily called me 30 min. after the exchange began to ask if I was still coming. She lives right across the street and I had totally spaced it.  So I grabbed my bag of ornaments and ran out the door.  

All the ornaments were so cute and fun.  We have to do this again next year, ladies!  

Emily's Santa Ornament

Connie's Fabric Ornament 

Staci's Ribbon Ornament

Jeannie's Believe Ornament

Kendra's Skating Snowman Ornament

Shana's Snowflake Ornament

Arianne's Quill-ed Ornament

Lisa's Manger Ornament

Leah's 'Hard Candy' Ribbon Ornament

Brittany's Cross-Stitch Ornament

Stephanie's Glittered Pine Cone Ornament

Katy's Christ Ornament

Sara's Snowman Bulb Ornament

Lynda's Cookie Cutter/Picture Ornament

I love all my ornaments!  Thank you so much, Kendra, for pulling this together and Emily for hosting!