My Quirks

Since my darling daughter Emily tagged me, I suppose I am obliged to respond with my own
8 quirks...

1. What? I don't have any quirks, thus I'm guessing this must be one of my quirks.
2. I have a fetish for white T-shirts. I own a countless number of them and I even sleep in one. Perhaps my preference for white bed sheets has something to do with this? (Analyze that one)
3. I don't leave the house without a water bottle in hand.
4. I can't go to bed at night if there are dishes in the kitchen sink.
5. Hilary willingly suggested that one of my quirks is that I can't go out of town unless the house has been cleaned and in perfect order.
6. I am a connoisseur of fountain drinks, namely Diet Coke.
7. I like to sleep on the left side of the bed not only at home but wherever I happen to be sleeping at any given time.
8. My loving husband casually mentioned my desire to plan a lesson or talk at least a month in advance might be one quirk. (Thanks honey!)

18 Years and Counting

December 27, 1990, Dan and I were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple...

We have traveled the world and traversed a good part of our own country together, but I think we would both agree that there is no place like home with our daughters around us. I have felt like I won the lottery since the day we were married. I love you Dan--here's to many more wonderful years!!!

Christmas Day 2008

Christmas Day began nice and early with a family prayer and then the opening of gifts. I've always said that our girls are so easy to please. It was fun to see them all so happy and excited.


Hannah



Christmas Day we always host a brunch open house for family. We eat and visit, play games and just all hang out. Our family looks forward to this tradition every year.

Some of the cousins

Christmas Eve 2008

I enjoy Christmas Eve almost more than Christmas Day. Every year we have a nice family dinner consisting of the same menu. The fire is crackling, snow is falling and the yummy smells from the kitchen make it a Norman Rockwell scene.


After dinner, we each opened one present with Grandpa and Grandma Snow and then gathered around the Christmas tree. Christmas Eve also includes watching or reading the Nativity and reminding each of us of the true meaning of the season.

Earlier in the day, the girls played in the snow and created our first snowman of the season. We wrapped up the evening at the Andersens for a great mini concert performed by the Andersen boys.

Merry Christmas!

We send our love to all of our family and friends everywhere. We hope you have a wonderful and memorable holiday season. All our best in the upcoming new year!

Love,

Dan, Ruthann, Emily, Hilary, Hannah & Julia

Winter Break Part 2

A "must-do" over Winter Break is sledding at Rock Canyon Park.

Dan and I commented on how fun it was to hear the laughter of all the children echoing throughout the park. It was so much fun!

Christmas Break

Have I said how much I LOVE Christmas Break? The kids are home, the snow is falling, there is lots of family time (like chatting and cuddling on the couch).

We have also managed to squeeze in some last minute baking and shopping. I definately prefer the baking with the roads plastered with snow and ice.

"Santa" and Her Sisters

Last night the youth in our ward had a Progressive Dinner which started at our house. After the first course (salad), all the young men and young women headed to the basement to play a game. Each group was given red butcher paper, cotton balls, tape, a marker and scissors to create the best Santa suit. Hannah represented the girls and hands down won.


Notice the cotton balls and tape stuck to Hannah's face--we had to rip it off to remove it all--ouch!

Headed home after a delicious dinner and fun evening.

Happy Birthday Alison!

Today is my oldest sister Alison's birthday! I have the best big sister a girl could ever ask for. Thanks for always being a great example to me! I hope you have a wonderful day. We will all be thinking of you!

We love you tons!

The Snows

Jazz Band Concert

Tonight I got to go to Timpview's Jazz Band concert and hear Emily's ensemble perform. You can see that she keeps her head turned to listen to the other band members because it is all improvised. What a talented group of kids!


This is a picture of Emily skillfully playing her solo--her fingers moved so fast that the picture is a little blurry. Thanks for the great entertainment!

Toughest Girl in Utah

Julia had to have 4 teeth pulled today at the dentist. She declined the laughing gas and said she only needed to hold my hand. She was incredibly brave and didn't move a muscle through the entire procedure. Thus, her new nickname, "The Toughest Girl in Utah."


A little gross I know, but she thought they were beautiful teeth. I think the tooth fairy will treat her very well tonight.

Happy Birthday Bro!

Here's a HAPPY BIRTHDAY greeting to my wonderful brother Dave today! I hope your 40th is fun and memorable. Thanks for being the funny, loyal and all-round great person that you are!

We love you,

Ruthann & the gang

A Winter Weekend

Look what blew into Provo this weekend...

Winter
(Mother Nature finally remembered it was December) and




Grandpa & Grandma Clark from Arizona! Yipee!

A 3rd Grade Kind of Day

I boarded a frigid school bus this morning, bright and early, with a class of 3rd graders, one of whom happens to be mine. (She is pictured below with her dad--the picture was taken a few days ago). We drove to Thanksgiving Pointe to watch the Nutcracker. Gratefully, the bus heated up by the time we reached Lehi! I am glad I had my coat.



The Nutcracker was very well-done with beautiful costumes, music and performers. However, it did go a little long for a few third graders, especially the boys. After intermission the fidgeting and commenting from the boys began in earnest.

Boy #1: This is torture!
Boy #2: I'd rather watch Teletubbies than this!
Boy #3: Mrs. Snow, what time is it?
Boys #1, #2, #3: I'd rather be doing my math at school.
Boy #2: Mrs. Snow, what time is it?

An hour and half later the show ended and the children gleefully and gratefully sprang from their chairs ready for lunch and the ride back to school.

Later that evening... A Third Grade Choir Concert


This little group of 3rd graders sounded amazing and sang an impressive array of Christmas Carols from around the world.

It was fun to hang out with 3rd graders for part of my day.

My Competition

Need I say more?

Virtue

I learned today from our Stake leaders that the Young Women's theme has been revised and will now have an 8th value. The new value is virtue and the color associated with it is gold. When I announced this to the Young Women today, they were all so enthusiastic and excited. There is a letter from the First Presidency, dated November 28, 2008, that announces the addition. I am looking forward to the new personal progress books and reciting the newly revised theme.

My Little Helper

It's our ward Christmas party tonight and I'm supposed to bring a dessert. I made sugar cookies and then I asked my "little helper," Julia, to finish frosting some of the cookies.



She enthusiastically put on her apron and went to work. She did a great job!

Congratulations Andy

A mission call was opened and received this evening by our nephew Andy. We felt privileged to be there when he opened his call. He is going to the Germany Munich/Austria Mission of the Church and reports in just about 6 weeks! Andy is one of the nicest and most likable people you'll ever meet. He is going to make an outstanding missionary! Congratulations Andy, we love you!

It Starts Tonight!

Sadie's Pictures

Sadie Hawkins was a month ago, but Emily just got back her pictures and I think they are way too cute not to post.

A Sweet Stalwart

I woke up to the news this morning that Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin had died last night. He was the oldest living apostle and a sweet stalwart. No one spoke of kindness and compassion better than he did and no doubt he practiced what he preached. I loved his last General Conference address, Come What May and Love It. Elder Wirthlin's sharing of personal experiences about his family and the humor they tried to find in all of life's happenings and even difficulties was enjoyable and inspiring. We have spoken of this particular address often in our family. He will certainly be missed!

Emily's Piano Recital was this evening and she played beautifully.



She played in a group, Jingle Bells Fantasy, an annual holiday tradition.


And she played some Beethoven...