Havin fun!!!

We went to spend some time with my side of the family after Christmas. It was probably the best trip we have ever had. It was so relaxing and just enjoyable. I hung out with my sisters.

The kids and their cousins hung out together.





We played with the only baby in the family right now. (Never happened so far with our family only have one baby around)
We played with each others hair(a must when there are girls around)

We just relaxed.
We goofed around(always a given when we are all together)
And we played LOTS of games. Totally my kind of relaxing holiday!!!! We actually had everyone at mom's except one sister. It was almost perfect!!!
What a wonderful holiday!!!!!

One proud mama!!!!

I think I might be the proudest mom alive right now. Well okay I know there are a lot of us out there but I just have to take the time to brag about MINE!!! Aren't they handsome? Don't they looks so good!!! They had their Christmas concert a couple of nights ago and I love watching them progress through each band and seeing their growth over the years. Nathan was first as a beginner band student. He sat down and immediately scanned the auditorium to find me. He sat for about 20 minutes before they actually began and casually looked for me the whole time. When he finally spotted me his face lite up like a Christmas tree. He didn't seem as nervous anymore. I love that affect I have as a mother and it can't be replaced by anything in this world. Daniel was more cool and calm going out on the stage. He has "been there and done it". He didn't really look for me. He was down to business and ready to do his best. Aaron and old pro by now I couldn't even see him. Since he plays bass clarinet he was hidden by smaller instruments. I did see him before he had to play out in the hall and have to say watching him grow into a teenager as been such a fun experience. They all go through a rough couple of years transitioning but he I think has finally figured out who he really is. Thats not to say he knows everything but he has a lot more confidence in himself and that is fun to see that develop. I love these talented young men of mine. And love that they have chosen to do something near and dear to my heart to keep themselves busy!!! Can't wait till the spring concert. It is always better than the first since they have had a whole year to learn!!!

My beautiful girl!!!

I looked at my last post and its just seems so yesterday and I just had to change my post. Unfortunately I was so busy during Thanksgiving that I didn't take any pictures. But this is my baby. Sarah did a play and had to be a southern belle. I made this for her. I really wish that I had had a hoop skirt but I didn't really realize I needed it until after it was done and then she needed it that night sooo.... She is still so beautiful without it!!!
Emma was so proud of her sister. And was very excited about her being so dressed up.

We all I think had wonderful Halloween celebrations and traditions. I had too many fun pictures to not share them all!!!


This is our friend Carol. The kids call her Aunt Carol and I just love this picture of the two of them. (Don't know why its underlining)
This witch actually talked to the kids. It was the highlight of our night. The girls were mesmerized by her. They couldn't figure out how she knew the things that she did. She actually was the owners daughter watching behind the windows holding the microphone talking through the witch's speakers. It was so fun watching the girls scratch their heads and carry on conversations with her.




I love this one. Eliza spent all night trying to figure this guy out and finally decided he was okay and then wanted to spend the rest of the night with him. It was too cute.




Aaron did his pumpkin all up and then carved the letter A on the back. Tom came behind him and changed it.
YOu would think that I only have 4 Children sometimes but the older kids did go out that night. They just went out with friends from the ward and I didn't get pictures of them before they left. Now we can sit back and enjoy the next holiday of ours!! I love Thanksgiving!!!

A Banquet and a Birthday

This was Aaron's 2nd year playing football for the middle school. Can you see him in the see of kids?? He's probably the only one wearing a white dress shirt.


This is Coach Gaunce. He has been my favorite coach of anything my kids have participated in. He is very religious and makes no bones about it. There was a kid on the team who's father died in the middle of the season. They prayed for him after each practice and then Coach made t-shirts in honor of this kid and his dad and the kids wore those shirts under their football gear every game. I really enjoyed watching Aaron admire this man. Aaron told me he wanted this picture framed for his birthday so he can put it up in his room. I love watching Aaron play football but I love even more watching him look up to and want to be like a man who is a stand up guy in such a rough rough world.
Now my baby has turned 14. I cringe a bit just saying it. He is totally growing up and I am not sure how to handle that sometimes. I am so glad that he is a part of our family. When I was pregnant with him I had an experience one time where I had a spirit visit me. I knew it was him. He was a man and was very strong and worthy young man. I think about that experience and see that happening. I am seeing the process happen and it is a wonderful thing to be a part of.
I asked him what he wanted to eat for his birthday and he said no cake no ice cream. He doesn't really care for either. So what he requested was a cookie cake. How can you deny a kid that when its his birthday!!! What a wonderful time to be a mother to this young man!!!

Explorium outing

Well the kids had a day of not long ago. The explorium had the reptile exhibit showing and it would be leaving soon. All summer long I had wanted to take them to see it but it just never happened. I am so glad we did it. I had all the kids with me but as usual I hardly saw the older kids. This is a pulley system that you lift yourself up with. We had friends come with us and the girls loved hanging out with Eliza. THat is who is lifting her up. Eliza just hates all the attention of corse :0)

This is probably Matthew's favorite part of the whole explorium. It is a magnet puzzle where you put all the body parts back on the man.
These were some small snakes that seemed to be really iritated that Matthew was close to their cage.
Sarah really is a very strong girl.
Emma, Eliza, where is your body??

A harp that plays without strings.

These were probably Matthew's favorite reptiles in the whole exhibit. They were called snake turtle's. They had long necks like a snake and their toes were so sharp that they had such wonderful grips. The turtle Matthew is looking at had climbed up on the side of the wall and I really thought he would fall down but he never did. He griped the wall like a pro.
Who would have thought I could have this many pictures of Matthew. I think he loved looking at the reptiles and loved learning about each one of them. He even let me read the material about them to him. What a fun day we had with each other!!! I love days like that.