XOXOXOXOXO

My multi-talented and thoughtful sister made this darling Valentine's banner for me today. I love it!! She is going to be selling them on Etsy soon--just one of the many cute things she has created. Lots of Love Sis!

Patience and a Perfectionist

Every 3rd Grader at Wasatch School does a Native American Report during the middle of the school year. I'm going on #4 and you'd think I would have developed a little more patience through all the reports and projects. However, there is a perfectionist involved in this project (uuhm...not me) and so I find myself sighing more often than I should.


My dedicated and serious minded child (when it comes to schoolwork) finished her report last night. She put all of her final, creative touches on the cover and proudly placed it in her backpack this morning.

Final Items on the Native American Report Checklist:

--oral report

--diorama of a Hopi village (oh man!!)

Missing in Action

It was a busy weekend for these two. It started Friday morning when they left for school at their usual time. However, after school they stayed put and attended a National Junior Honor Society party (I'd call it a seminar of sorts) which lasted until 11:00 p.m. They maybe got eight hours of sleep and then headed off to a ballroom dance clinic the next morning for most of the day. They came home Saturday afternoon exhausted but happy. I have to say though that the rest of us really missed having them home!

Teen Sensations

I know that one of these teens is my own daughter, BUT I am truly NOT being biased when I say that Mati and Emily are teen sensations. If you want to see what I mean, just click over to their blogs. These girls are not only darling, they are witty and smart and will entertain you with their words and photos. Despite their great looks and oozing talent, they are good and sweet through and through. They are in fact every mother's dream of a teen aged daughter. Thanks for sharing your talents and keep up the great blogs!

P.S. Emily & Mati--forgive me for the post--love you!

Thoroughly Enjoyable

Last night Dan and I took the girls to see Thoroughly Modern Millie at BYU. For all you locals, I highly recommend seeing it. The talent is near equal to that of Broadway and right here in Provo! Despite the late hour getting home, it was well worth it.

Watching History Unfold

Today from a dental chair, I watched alongside Julia, the inauguration of our new president Barack Obama. I told Julia that this will be a day that she will tell her children about in the future because our country's first African American President was sworn into office. We will both always remember that we viewed it all from a dental chair.


P.S. No cavities!!! YEAH!

MLK Day

A must see destination when visiting Atlanta, Georgia is the National Historical site dedicated to Martin Luther King, Jr. A short walk away from the visitor's center is the Church where King preached and King's birthplace, a picture of his home is shown below.


Having lived in Atlanta for a few years, we had the opportunity to visit these sites with Elizabeth and her girls when they came to visit us. (There is a cute picture of the girls in front of this home that has gone missiong). Anyway, today's holiday, which commemorates Martin Luther King, Jr. and his life and message, takes me back to this unforgettable visit.

So Long, Farewell...

Last night we all said our farewells to Andy before he enters the Missionary Training Center tomorrow. We talked about how many changes will occur for the younger kids while he serves for two years. Emily will be in college and Hilary and Hannah will have their driving permits and Julia will almost be 11 years old! We will miss Andy a lot but we are all so proud of him and the great example he is setting.

Dance Performance

Hannah had a dance performance at school last night. The checklist we have to go through to get ready is specific and comes from the instructor... (foundation, red lipstick, false eyelashes, heavy mascara, brown eyeshadow, blush, hair parted on the left-side, hair in a low bun, the list goes on and on).


Hannah danced the Cha Cha and the Swing and wore a different costume for each dance.
It was so fun watching her and the other students perform--they were incredible!


She loves ballroom dancing!

Indexing

This post is to give a plug to any of you that are currently not indexing yet. At the encouragement of other ward members and leaders, I've taken the plunge. The young women and leaders spent an evening a few months ago learning how to do it. Well, time got away from me and I realized I never registered and started. I've officially been indexing for a few weeks and I have to say it is addicting. Even better, I feel like I'm doing just a little bit of service/family history work which is satisfying. It truly is as easy and convenient as everyone says it is. To get started and registered click here.

Study Hall

I've learned over the years, no matter where we designate a study area in our home, the kitchen table always ends up being where study hall begins and ends. Scout has also figured out the after school routine--kids coming home, piling papers, folders and textbooks on top of the kitchen table--later pouring over their homework to get it done before dinner. In the short time we've had Scout, we have learned she loves to be a part of the family and this includes study hall now as well.

Dreaming

Today I am dreaming about this...blue skies, sunshine, palm trees and a warm climate! Even though I think falling snow is beautiful and even fun sometimes, the relentless cold temperatures are not. The countdown to spring has officially started...