Out of nowhere it began snowing in our house...

sometime after 10:00 p.m. (notice the news in the background).

A pile of construction paper and a plethora of scissors emerged from
drawers and cupboards yielding dozens of beautiful, colorful snowflakes.

It all literally happened as I scurried from here to there and before I even realized what was happening, the tables were covered, windows were plastered and scraps of what would make perfect confetti for a New Year's celebration were strewn across the floors.

I'm amazed at how much fun a pile of paper and some scissors can produce.

My Girls

I'm not sure where the time goes but it seems to slip ever so quickly these days.

This post is purely for my benefit, seeing that my journal entries have become extinct.

Having stated that, in no way will this blurb suffice for a true and thorough journal entry.

Perhaps placing my journal next to my bed will remind me to not neglect it.

Until then, here's a brief look at life lately for my girls:

Emily is experiencing a fit of senioritis all while trying to stay afloat in some demanding classes and extra curricular responsibilities. Have I mentioned how incredibly helpful it is to have a personal chauffeur?

Hilary survived the wisdom teeth extractions and looked like a caricature for a few days but the bruising is diminishing and the weird questions from fellow students about her facial changes are dwindling. She completed a huge bug project for biology with her dad's help and came away with an A+.

Hannah put together an extensive power point project for biology and understands fully what she will get to experience this summer when she heads to the oral surgeon. She and Hilary continue to train for xcountry and the upcoming track season. The JV T-birds placed third in the region a few weeks ago and their season is officially over.

Julia seems to keep the busiest schedule of all with weekly piano lessons, play practice and early morning concert choir practice. She is a social animal and always wants to be doing something or playing with someone. The front of our house continues to be nightly meeting place for kickball and night games. I wonder what they will all do when it starts to really get cold?

In the meantime, Dan anxiously awaits the FTC's (Federal Trade Commission) approval for the Schering/Merck merger and the impending layoffs. He is seriously swamped all the time with his ecclesiastical duties but never complains. He really is my Superman.

I am now stressing over a Halloween costume I was hoping I wouldn't have to worry about to wear to school for the annual parade. Any ideas? Because I'll take them!

When the Parents are Away...

Thanks to Emily and her desire to document life, we found out what the girls do when we aren't around...check it out...I wish I could get my camera to take pictures like these.

P.S. Really not much has changed since we started leaving the kids alone a few years ago. Several weeks ago while watching old home videos, we uncovered an unknown stash of video footage Emily had taken of all of the girls while she was babysitting them--crying, fighting, playing, laughing, all of it for Dan and I to see--very funny and eye opening to say the least!

Lately

I am so happy to report that my summer project of injecting a few

more homemaking skills into my girls is going splendidly!

I was so excited to see Emily in front of the stove top that I had to get a picture.

The other girls have been great about helping with little and big projects and Hannah is even incorporating it all into finishing her
personal progress projects.



This week we found out that Hilary lost retainers #6 and #7
at Martin's Cove. Our orthodontist truly loves us.
We are always there for something I swear!
The bottom retainer will now be permanently bonded on her teeth--yeah!


And nothing epitomizes summer quite like playing outside
on freshly cut grass with your dog.

Summer Vacation...It's Official!

School's out and we are happy about it!


But before we said our goodbyes to teachers and friends, Julia participated in Wasatch's Annual Dance Festival.

Julia with her awesome teacher, Mrs. Nelson. She really is the best teacher ever!

And the older girls... three high school students this fall...yikes!

Stuff

I am SO behind in blogging but here is a short recap of some of the things that have been going on lately. Last Thursday night we went with all the youth in our ward to the Draper Temple Open House. Needless to say the structure's exterior and interior are beautiful beyond on words. It was wonderful to be in the temple with all four girls and see their expressions as they viewed all the different rooms. The bride's room was definately a favorite for them.


Saturday afternoon Emily was asked to the Junior Prom (which is on April 11th). When the doorbell rang, Dan and I opened the door, looked down and saw this blue container. I immediately thought one of the neighbor kids had left us a "gift" (this happens frequently especially when the weather warms up). However, Dan wised up quickly and realized it had to be a "prom thing." Indeed it was and when we figured it out squeals echoed throughout the house (and probably the neighborhood). Emily is so excited!


She answered her date last night and continued with the "fish" theme that came with the invitation. To make Emily's week even better (if that's possible), she was named Editor-in-Chief of Timpview's newspaper next year. This is something she really wanted and we are thrilled she'll have this opportunity her senior year of high school.