May

May went by so quickly!  We had so many little activities going on that it made the month busy and fun.  The boys ran a mile in the school fun run, had soccer games every Saturday, and we worked in the yard almost daily.  Brennan finished up his Let's Play Music with a recital.  He had a special part of playing "I've been to Harlem" on the bells.  We were so lucky to have Omi here for it!  She came and stayed for a few days so we could work on Family History.  Mostly we scanned old photos in to be digitalized.  It was very interesting to see our ancestors and hear mom tell stories.  We were able to upload some photos onto familysearch.org.  If you log onto the site (with your lds account) you can see photos of your ancestors!  Go to "Memories", "Photos", and then "People" and you can scroll through names and view photos.  If you have any photos to add, please do.

Mom and I were able to find and submit some pretty cool information.  Gerbie's aunt, Evelyn Virginia Ellis, was married to her first husband, William C. Jenkins in about 1887, and they had a baby, Lester F. Jenkins.  But sadly, the baby died a year later.  And then just a few months later, her husband William died.  She married later and had children and all her work has been done with them, but none of the information for her first husband and child has ever been done.  We found documentation and so we were able to enter it into family search and print out temple ordinance cards.  Now, we can get William's work done and the family sealed!  It was such a great experience.  I am still trying to get information about Gerbie's great grandfather's family (Nance).  I am really enjoying this all, I feel like a detective! 

We had a great time with Omi, shopping, making food, and reminiscing.  The kids love having her around.  It was really fun and I hope we can do it again soon!

Mother’s day was great, and the lead up to it made it even more special.  The kids were excited to be giving me things and doing things for me.  Aidan is very good at making celebrations special.  He wrapped several presents, some homemade, and put up the “tree”.  Every holiday/birthday where there are presents involved, we put up a tree.  It is a piece of paper with a drawing of a tree that they tape to the wall.  Then all the presents go under the tree.  I love it!  Weston was also very sweet and made me a ring—all by himself.  And I love it—I have gotten several compliments.  Scott was also good to me, helping the kids make it special. They let me sleep in (loved it!) and I had a delicious breakfast of pancakes, bacon, orange juice and strawberries.  We went to Scott’s parents that night for dinner (homemade lasagna) and had a very nice day together.  I must say that I love my kids and I love being a mom, especially to them.

Brennan had a field trip to the zoo and I took Elise and met him there.  It was perfect weather—not too hot, no rain, just slightly overcast.  We had a great time and I loved watching him play with friends from school.  He is one of the happiest kids I know.  He is always joyful.  He plays on a soccer team right now and is doing a great job, but mostly he is just out there having fun, making friends, and smiling and waving.  But once he gets determined, his face gets very serious and he works really hard.  I just love to watch him. 

Elise is starting to be a diva.  But what a cute diva.  The other day I said something about her room, and she looked it there, got frustrated and whined, “My room is a zaster!” (disaster).  She has been playing dress up and princess (mostly Ana and Elsa things).  She always wants her hair to be like Elsa.  Which is great, because otherwise she complains so much when I comb her hair.  Her best friend Halle is over to play daily, but it gets to be a problem if Halle ever goes home.  Elise freaks out and wants to keep playing.  I love that she has such a good friend, though.  They were talking the other day about how they wish they were sisters so they could live together.  

We had a few big activities this month, one was the Grandma Bea Memorial Breakfast and Bike/Run.  We were going to have it the Saturday before Memorial Day, but the weather didnt cooperate.  This year i invited all the nieces and nephews over for a sleepover.  They all came around 7:30 in their pajamas.  I had popcorn and treats for them and they watched a movie.  Then they didn't go to bed.  That was the plan, but instead they just played around a bunch.  I overrestimated their energy.... And unfortunately I was exhausted (I went through some sickness where I was extrememly tired all the time).  Brennan was wise enough to go up to his room.  But, around midnight I think they all fell asleep.  Not too last long, though.  I think the first kid woke up at 5 am and he proceeded to wake up the rest of the kids.  Aidan thought quicky and went up to his room to get another hour of sleep, but basically they were all up and ready to go bright and early.  The girls all slept up in Elise's room and they did great and had such a great timme together.  It rained all morning, so I gave them cold cereal and sent them home.  

On Sunday, we made the rounds to cemetaries.  I am glad that I live close by so many of our ancestors graves.  I have really felt a closeness since starting to get into family history.

I got that day of rest and then we had the kids all over again on Monday morning, with their parents and all the other Daw family for the big run and breakfast.  I bought candy necklaces and put "medals' on each one that said, "Grandma Bea Memorial 2014".  Then we had a delicous breakfast of my homemade pancakes (I learned from last year that Krusteaz pancake mix is NOT the way to go), hashbrowns, eggs, bacon, sausage, syrup, fruit, and OJ or chocolate milk.  I think everyone liked it and I am excited to do it again next year.  Everyone got into a rousing game of soccer and then slowly made their way back home.  

Weston, Aidan, and Brennan have all been playing soccer.  We put Aidan and Brennan on the same team which is really nice because we only have to go to two games on Saturdays instead of three.  Aidan has really improved and has becoe a serious soccer player.  He practices at home by himself all the time and is working to get better and better.  He enjoys playing goalie (which is a bit surprising) but has done a great job and stopping the other team of scoring! 

Aidan also received his Wolf!  His piano lessons and scouts overlapped so he had to miss the first half of scouts every week, so there was a lot of work we had to do together that he didn't get to do with the den.  He did a great job.

As did Weston on finishing his Webelos.  Plus, he got his Arrow of Light and his Religious Knot.  Our cubmaster is the best I have ever seen and he puts on aquite a production every time there is an Arrow of Light ceremony.  This was no exception.  It was a Star Wars theme and Weston was a Jedi that had to earn his "Arrow of Lightsaber Award" by fighting off the dark force, choosing the right, using the force to rescue ships, etc.  It was so much fun and although Weston played down his excitement, he felt pretty special.  Now he is on to 11 year old scouts--and his dad is his leader!  They are going on their first campout the first weekend of June.  I am so happy that Scott and Weston get to do this together and so happy that Weston is excited to have his dad as his leader.  

To end the month, we went on a quick trip to Norma and Elaine's cabin.  It was pretty short, but it was fun.  We stopped and did some shopping in Park City, ate at a fun burger joint, and then roasted marshmallows and just had a fun time together.  The next morning we made a delicious breakfast and then came home--Weston had his last game of the season and then Aidan and Brennan had a game following.  It is nice to be able to get away just for a short period of time at least!

April

The first weekend of April we get to watch General Conference.  And every time, I set up little jobs for myself that I can do as I watch.  This year, I made a mistake.  There was a lady in our ward who had a connection to strawberries sold for 1$ a pound.  Great buy and I wanted to make strawberry jam.  My neighbor bought 6 flats.  So I bought 2.  If she can do 6 flats, surely I can do 2!  No, I can't!

I started out great.  I had the kids involved.  We washed them, cored them, and then I used my handy dandy Blendtec and blended them.  Where I started on my downhill spiral is trying to go "healthy".  Instead of normal jam, I found a "delicious" honey substitute for sugar jam (and without that "harmful" --or so say all the crazy people--pectin).  Instead of just trying it out and making one small batch.  I made a HUGE potful (probably 2 1/2 gallons).  I ran out of containers, it didn't set, I put the wrong date on the containers, I was frantically trying to fix it all (in my pajamas), I was missing out on General Conference (what was I thinking!?!), and worst of all?  It was NOT delicious.  It is disgusting!  Argh!  Well, I got myself out of pajamas and ran to the store, bought more containers, bought pectin, and the next day I used the other half of the strawberries and made it the correct way (with sugar and pectin).  So, lesson learned folks--and please learn from my mistakes--sometimes it is just NOT worth it to be completely "healthy" and eat gross tasting jam.  Homemade strawberry jam is one of the best things in the world.  Do not ruin it with honey!

With that said, I have a bunch of "Honey Strawberry Jam".  Does anyone want me to ship some to you?

We have been busy with FUN this month.  Both Aidan and Weston had field trips I got to go on with them.  Weston went to "This is the Place" and Aidan went to the TranJordan Landfill and the Hutchings Museum.  At "This is the Place", they did some really cool things about the Civil War, Weston will be sharing things he learned in CC.  The Landfill is so interesting!  You wouldn't think learning about garbage and recycling would be so fun to learn about!  That was actually my second time going there, and I would love to go again (and, yes, the kids liked it, too).  The Hutchings Museum was just a little thing, but they did a great job and Aidan learned about Atlatls, which he will discuss in CC as well.

We had a whole week for Spring Break, and we wanted to have a "staycation" since we couldn't go on vacation somewhere else.  So, once the kids got out of school on Friday, Scott took Aidan and Weston skiing.  Aidan did a class and was so cute!  He got the hang of it quickly.  Weston was a pro and they are both excited to go again next year.  Elise, Bren and I ran errands and had fun together at home while they skied.  Once they got home we had a fun barbeque with our neighbors (we love them so much!).  On Saturday the boys had soccer games (and did well), we made crepes for a brunch, then we went to the new Muppet movie and out to Applebees for dinner (my main goal for our staycation was to not have a huge mess in our house--I didn't want to be cleaning the whole time.  So we went out a lot...).  Sunday we had cinnamon rolls (bought from a neighbor who was selling them. Best cinnamon rolls I have ever had) and then Grandma Nancy invited us over for dinner.  It was a very relaxing day.   Monday Scott went to work, so I took the kids to IHOP (he doesn't like breakfast, but we do!).  Then we went to some really cool parks in daybreak and played for hours.  I wasn't really thinking about how much sun I was getting and by the end of the week I had a really red face. 

On Tuesday, we met Scott downtown and went to the Church History Museum which has a section on the Century of Honor scout stuff.  I am glad they were a part of that.  After the museum we went to Ensign Peak and hiked to the top.  The kids did a great job and I am glad we can enjoy that activity as a family.  Then we had a lunch at a little deli and dad went back to work.  The kids and I went to the planetarium and spent some time there (my other goal for this staycation was to not spend a lot of money, so we did a lot of free things and we used all our coupons and free meal vouchers the kids earned at school). 

On Wednesday we went to the Natural History Museum (I had free passes for all of us!).  That is one of my favorite places.  They have a new display about chocolate.  YUM!  Then we got Chik-Fil-A and ate and played at Murray Park.  Then we had a coupon for the Nickelcade, so we spent 5 dollars and the kids played those games earning tickets and they each got a 10 cent toy in the end.  What a way to spend 5$...  Still, they had fun.  Elise and Brennan had their yearly doctor appointment in Murray, so Aidan and Weston hung out at Grandma's while I took the younger kids to the doctor.  Both Elise and Brennan are doing great.  Somehow Elise is in the 75% for height.  I don't know where she gets that and I wonder if it will last.

Thursday we all went to the Dentist.  No cavities!  Yippee!  We then met up the cousins at a park and played for hours (they played so well together, we didn't stop them and just let them play). 

Friday we went up to our old stomping grounds and met up with some friends from the old neighborhood (Kingsburys and Lesters).  Again, we played at the park for hours.  Then we met Scott at In-n-Out for lunch.  That night the other cousins came over and the adults went to the temple while the kids played. 

Our staycation was about to end, so we had to jam a bunch of things in on Saturday.  We had our annual Easter basket and egg hunt at our house.  Then went to soccer games, then went to the Utah Spring *** with Uncle Cameron.  Grandma had her annual gigantic Easter egg hunt.  The kids candy should last for several months (of course it is gone by now...).  We came home and decorated eggs as a family and prepared for Easter Sabbath. 

We had an FHE on Monday about Easter.  Scott found a game online that asks Easter questions and it was actually really fun and the kids learned a lot.  We talked a lot about the Passover.  On our calendar, when it indicated the first day of Passover, Brennan said, "Don't we need to put blood on our door so they won't get us?"  Glad he listened, but I guess we needed to be more clear about a few things.  He is such a sweet boy.  Sunday, the kids sang "Gethsemane" in church, and the choir (which included Scott and myself) sang "How Great the Wisdom".  Scott taught High Priests and I taught a special lesson to the YW about Jesus Christ.  I took the Youth 2014 Theme Song and made a power point presentation with pictures of Christ and the girls.  It really turned out great.

The rest of the month was just normal.  Soccer practice, scouts, visiting teaching, piano...  Life.  Along the way, some funny things were said.  Brennan was playing with Aidan and he said to him, "Aidan, you are so smart.  You always think what I think."  The kids were waiting in the car for me for a minute and when I got back in Elise was angry and said, "Weston is talking like a mom!"  (I guess he was telling her what to do?)  And then sadly, I was talking with the kids about foreheads and I was going to tell them what I used to call them (headboards...) and I pointed to my forehead and asked, "What is this?" to which Weston replied: "A crease". 

Yep kids, it has been a great April!

March

At APA (our school) the kids memorize poetry and the latest one Weston memorized was part of "Barbara Frietchie" by Whittier.  His grade performed it at school and it was very moving. Now he is memorizing "O Captain, my Captain."  He has been learning about the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln.  I have given the DVD of Chic Sale as Abe to his teacher and they are going to watch it next week.  School is going very well for him, great grades and learning lots of great things.  He is doing great in piano as well, and has been conscientious about practicing daily.  Now that it is warmer, though, he is dying to get outside and play soccer.  They have started the spring season and practices are in full swing.  So that he doesn't get too much free time, he is furiously working on scouts so he can finish his Webelos and Arrow of Light in the next few months.  Then he will be entering 11 year old scouts--where his dad will be his leader!  Yep, Scott got a new calling, and he is very excited.  I love though, that Weston is excited to have his dad as his leader.  :)  Weston also went skiing for the first time. Grandpa Ron took him up to Solitude and he had one short class and was a pro!  He really enjoyed it and now we have an expensive hobby...

Aidan has also been practicing piano diligently because he had a recital this month and AIM (Achievement in Music) evaluation.  He played "Dancing Bears" for the recital and did marvelous.  He played with such precision!  For AIM, he played that song and "The Elephant and the Flea".  He got 100% on both.  The judge said, "You are so delightful to listen to--I love your attention to detail." and "Your contrast in dynamics really made your performance sparkle."  He also had to play three different scales/chords/cadences/arpeggios (E flat, B flat, and A flat--all majors and minors) and got 100% as well. The last thing he had to do was a sight reading piece and that was something we hadn't practiced as much, but he still did well gaining a 94% overall!  They also had him do a creative project and he chose to make an instrument--he made a String Drum.  I am glad we got this first year over with and now know what to expect for next year.  As a reward for all his hard work, we went to Iceberg and then to the rock show.  He decided to spend some of his money on some rocks and bought a huge amethyst and a DIAMOND!  It is .03, with lots of inclusions, but it is a diamond, and to be able to say that you own a diamond is a big thing for a young rock collecting enthusiast.  The man who sold it to him was so kind and gave him an opal as well!  A very successful day.

The boys have really been into making loop band bracelets (thank you to Omi who gave Weston a kit) and they sold a bunch to neighborhood kids.  Then we had a neighbor who had a Charity garage sale for some friend who has cancer and the kids made about 25 for them to sell.

We got two new toys.  One for inside, one for outside.  We got a teeter-go-round, it is like a teeter totter, but it can go around 360 degrees as well.  The kids really love it, and I think it was a good deal.  The only thing I didn't think about was the circle it would make in our grass...  That is ok, as long as the kids are having tons of fun!  We also found an amazing clearance deal on an air hockey table.  If you didn't know before, Scott's grandfather's brother invented it, so we feel it appropriate that we own one... :)  And just so we don't feel like we are spending all our money on fun toys, we have also been working on getting all of the bushes and more trees for our yard.  We put in a pear tree and lots of different varieties of bushes (boxwood, forsythia, burning bush, variegated red twigged dogwood, sand cherry, euonymus and a magnolia).  I am so excited to see how they all turn out.  It will be nice to have color in our yard!  Scott has also started planting lots of garden veggies.  None of our grafts on our apple tree took last year, so we are trying again this year.  Please pray that it works!

Brennan and his friends have especially loved our new teeter.  He is such a friendly kid and gets along well with others.  He has been playing a lot with our next door neighbor Luke.  They started a game of Disney Monopoly one morning and it lasted three days.  Then we got out our Monopoly Jr and played and he is really good (I lost all my money to him!).  He has been watching "Cooks Country from America's Test Kitchen" lately, and found a marvelous recipe that we tried out one day.  It was DELISH!  (Mom will include the recipe)  He has also said some funny things lately.  He said, "I am doing a Challenger School on my own and in three days is the championship and if I get a C on it, I get a gold medal."  He was reading and read the word "hut" and I asked if he knew what that was and he said, "Yes, like Jabba the Hut"

Elise has been dancing around the house lately, and surprised us with a beautiful somersault, done beautifully (with style and grace!).  I have been attending some performances of the Young Women in my ward and Elise has come with me and just loved it!  I am hoping to get her signed up for tumbling in the fall.  She will be a natural.  We have also moved her from a 5 point carseat to a high back booster and you should see the pride in her face as she buckles and unbuckles all by herself!  She is growing up too fast.  I love when she spontaneously says, "Momma, I love you" or "Daddy, you are my best friend."  She is a joy.  She and her best friend Halle were playing the other day and Halle had to go home.  Halle said, "I wish we were sisters, then I'd never have to leave."  They play together daily, sometimes three or four times for several hours! 

We have had some fun family time together.  We got a few new games, one of them is Wits and Wagers and can be played by all of us (Well, Elise doesn't really play, but she has fun).  We have some good friends, the McRoberts, who invited us to go to a Jazz game with them a few weeks ago and we had such a good time.  It is so nice to have the kids at a stage where going to places like that are enjoyable, rather than running around after them or holding them while they sleep (although I miss that!).  We had a great time.  Mel cuts my hair and instead of me paying her I make her dinner.  It has been lots of fun--I like making food and I just have to double my recipe.  Works out great! 

I have been partnered with a great Visiting Teacher who is very gung ho and asked for less-actives to visit.  We have had great success (Michelle Salazar has started coming back!), but it has been a lot of eating out.  We found that visiting with some of them is easier if we go out to lunch.  I am getting to know a lot of the neighborhood eateries...  I enjoyed going to Women's Conference, but can't wait for Elise to be 8 so I have someone to go with.  We are all doing well and excited for spring.  Love to you all.

February 2014

Ah, Love.  Aidan kept asking if he could scratch my back daily.  Of course I consented, but I asked, “Why do you want to scratch my back?”  He answered, “Because it is the month of love.”  He is so sweet and loving.  He made each person a valentine and just couldn’t wait to give them to us.  He also made individual origami hearts for each person in his class.  They don’t have a party in class, but they could give valentines to people if they wanted.  Aidan has also been preparing for his music recital and AIM --AIM is some program where they are tested on theory and playing.  He already has his test and did really well.  The next step is the recital and then he plays for judges in a few weeks. 

Weston’s big news is written on his face—He has glasses!  One Sunday he mentioned that he couldn’t see the hymn numbers.  So I took him in and yep, he has the lucky genes that we all have.  He got two pair of glasses –one black and one black and red.  He looks handsome in both (and he knows it).   He has been working really hard on Webelos and is getting closer to finishing it.  He only has three months and then he attends 11 year old scouts and will start on the big campouts! 

The kids didn’t have school for a week, so we took a few days to just hang out and play around and then we went up to Idaho for a few days.  Omi had been in Chicago with Ali for a while, so on her way home she stayed with us a few days.  We had a lovely time shopping together (Costco, fabric stores) and organizing my laundry room (So happy with the end product).  We then drove her to Idaho.  It was one of the most pleasant rides up.  We checked out “Half Magic” by Edward Eager and listened to it on my phone (cool how you can do things like that!).  It lasted almost exactly the right amount of time and the kids loved hearing it.  We all just sat spellbound as we drove.  Lovely.  And our stay in with the Barkers was lovely as well.  I read an Agatha Christie, the kids played, Elise took over the hop on ball (now I know a great gift to get her), Weston helped deliver papers, the kids fell in love with Fifi (great dog!), Elise and Rowan played together well, I helped mom a bit on the peach room, Aidan and Bren played, and we generally just had a good time hanging out.  We went into town and hung out in the Manwaring Center (ah, what great memories!) and even took a trip to the DI.  We went out to eat at the MC with the family and Weston got a hamburger and it tasted just like it did back in the day (yes, I stole a bite).

As I left, I stopped at Schofield's--pounded on the doors until Kathie opened them for me.  Then we hugged and cried.  It is hard to see that beautiful building with locked doors.  I have so many memories associated with it.  I loved the poem Heidi wrote about it, and I am happy that I got the chance to work at that wonderous place! 

We returned just in time for me to go do sealings with Scott and his family.  We have been trying to do this monthly and it is very enjoyable.  We have also been enjoying the unseasonably warm weather.  Our tulips are poking up, we have planted our first veggies, and it is even warm enough that our spinach from last year is still producing eatable leaves!  We are eager for spring.  Love to you all!

January 2014

Scott began the year at 36 and six days later turned 37.  Old man.  I made him a delicious coconut cake (I love trying new recipes and this was great and easy: Bake one yellow cake mix, as directed, in a 9×13 inch dish. While cooling, make holes all over the surface of the cake. Mix one 15 ounce can of Cream of coconut with one large can of sweetened condensed milk and pour all over the top of the cake. When cool, ice cake with whipped cream or Cool Whip. Refrigerate.)  Not very good for you (though I actually left out the sweetened condensed milk), but, eh, it is a birthday, what would be good for you?  The kids gave him nutrition bars, and I gave him a picture of a model airplane so he could go buy one to make and fly around.  But, instead, he decided to buy a new road bike.  Oh well, I am ok with that.  We did go snowshoeing together to celebrate and had a lovely time up in the mountains away from everything.

Brennan received a present at Christmas to use this month: Cookie College.  There is a cute local bakery "Naborhood Bakery" that does a cookie college for little kids.  It is pretty cheap ($15) and it is exactly what Brennan would love to do.  He got a tour of the bakery and got to see all of the big mixers and huge bags of flour.  He even got to go inside their huge freezer!  The rotating oven was really neat, too.  Then they washed their hands and got to roll our their own dough (a good pound of dough) and cut shapes with a variety of cookie cutters.  He made an army of gingerbread looking men and a few other fun shapes.  Then, as they cooked, he got to eat a lunch from the bakery (corn dog...).  Then they got three different colors of frosting and some candies and sprinkles to decorate the cookies.  Once he was done, he ceremoniously received a diploma declaring his completion of Cookie College.  This was so much fun for him and he was so inspired that he has decided to hold a cookie college for neighborhood kids this summer.  It will be lots of fun for us and the kids!

I got to get away for a few days, but to be surrounded by tons of young men and women at Youth Conference.  Although I missed my kids and spouse terribly, I actually had a great time getting to know the girls and leaders.  We did some fun things-- John Bytheway spoke, snowshoeing or cross country skiing, and a dance (which I was all over--someone had to get the girls dancing...).  I also taught a class on dance etiquette, and it was a success.  I made a fun slideshow that talked about important things to remember (hygiene, how to ask a person to dance, etc) and I took up the cardboard cutout of Scott and taught them how to dance... It was so much fun.  I was happy to get back to my kids though.  And Scott took care of the kids and the house so well!

And just as soon as I got back, we had Elise's friend birthday party.  She invited her best friend Halle, her cousin Hallie, her cousin Adrianne and her friend Phoebe.  Elise really wanted a Barbie party--she kept saying "I want a Barbie birthday".  I, of course, have never had Barbie's, or anything like it and am baffled!  I tried to dissuade her, even using bribes!  But, to no avail, she was set on a Barbie Birthday!  So, we went shopping to look for Barbie decorations, etc, but could find nothing (thank goodness!).  So, we discussed it, and somehow I finally figured out that she really didn't care too much that it was a Barbie themed party, as long as she received Barbie's as presents!  Well, I can live with that as long as I don't have to give her the Barbie...  I couldn't stop her friends from giving them to her. :)  So, we ended up having a Minnie Mouse Boutique party.  The girls came and all wore fancy clothes and we made bracelets and necklaces.  Then we painted nails and watched a Barbie show, and then we ended with opening presents and eating Minnie Mouse shaped rice krispy treats (Scott made them!) with cute bows on them (I made them their own hair bows that look similar to Minnie's).  Usually parties are over much sooner than I anticipate, so I made this only an hour long (there were only 4 girls!), but the time flew by and we had to really cram everything in there.  It was kind of a whirlwind, but it all worked out and they had a great time. 

We had a nice family party for her on the night of her birthday.  I made a scrumptious cake that had strawberry puree in it, and a whip cream/white chocolate topping.  She received some great gifts--a new little table for her room that I painted yellow and Omi painted little flowers on it, a Barbie and horse from Grandma Tracey, a Minnie Mouse book/toys from Omi, and some dress up dolls and stuffed animal from Norma and Elaine (who were invited of course).  The boys each gave her something as well.  They love her so much.  She is pretty spoiled by their love.  It was a great day and we are so happy our little girl is growing up so well.

Aidan and Weston had the spelling bee and did well.  Aidan was fourth runner up in his class, but both did stupendous.  Weston had a "5th Grade Ambassador Event"--their school has these every other month or so where they learn manners, what to do in social situations, etc.  Weston also received Reader of the month.  He has been reading all of the Lemony Snicket books, Keith Oppel (Firewing), and lots more.  And Aidan loves reading Jigsaw Jones Mysteries.  Aidan also won his class geography bee.  He has a knack for knowing and remembering all those things.  I am proud of my boys and the hard work they are putting into their education.

They also put a lot of work and effort into making their pinewood derby cars.  Weston made a shapely black car while Aidan's was a sleek red one.  They both did well, though I think the scoring was strange and the officials made a few mistakes.  Aidan did get third!  And his enthusiasm was awesome.  I have never seen someone to excited to win something!  Oddly, the leaders gave a "loser" prize.  I didn't think that was a good decision.  Aidan got the "grease lightning" award, and Weston's was the "best looking".  Brennan and Elise didn't want to be left out of the fun, so they each made a car.  They ran the "banana" race--a race they let the little kids run after the pinewood derby is done.  Brennan's yellow car zoomed down!  Elise made a pink car (without wheels) and she didn't want to run the banana race, she ran the "raspberry" race--just a name she made up...  They all had a great time. 

Hope you are all doing well.  Much love to you all!

Weston's missionary moment

My family had a party and my friend that isn't Mormon came.  He saw my missionary fund envelope and asked me what it was.  I said that is was my money for my mission, a thing where you move away for two years and preach the gospel.  He asked where I'm going and I said that the Presidency of my church decides where missionaries go.  I got to tell him a lot about our church.

November and December

Veteran's Day has now become one of my favorite holidays.  The kids' school does a special Veteran's Day Concert and invites local dignitaries and any veterans (and their families) who want to attend.  Hundreds showed up and I was able to help "check" them in.  As we checked them in, we got some information from them--where and when/how long they served our country.  My eyes kept getting moist...  I invited Norma Powell; her husband was a veteran, but he died a few years ago.  The kids all sang several songs, and a few people spoke.  The kids singing was AMAZING.  People couldn't stop the tears from flowing.  It was one of the coolest concerts I have ever been to.  I have a DVD copy of the concert if anyone would like to see it.  Aidan's class sang "My Country Tis of Thee" and Weston's class sang "God Bless America" and "Thank you Soldiers".  They both learned "God Bless the USA" and "The Star Spangled Banner".  All that attended were in tears and moved.  Norma loved it and I cannot wait to invite more veterans next year. 

Lots of opportunities to "perform" these past months.  The kids also got a chance to sing for the Primary Program at church.  The three boys were given the assignment to say a part of the Living Christ.  And because we had memorized it earlier in the year, they quickly rememorized it and said the whole part without reading it.  Brennan was in a "Thanksgiving Play" at school, and he played a pilgrim and said the part, "Like axes and saws for building".  Great line!

Aidan had his first piano recital with his new teacher.  He played the song, "Feeling Good" and really played with feeling!  He was the first one to play, and the youngest.  All the people oohed and awed over him.  He is doing well in piano, as is Weston.  I love that they don't complain about practicing.  Weston was in his Christmas Concert at school.  They sang lots of fun songs:  "Dona Nobis Pacem", "Eight Nights", and "Sing Out a Joyful Song".  The Eight Nights is a Hannakuh song, and it is so much fun.  It has lots of parts to it, and was a difficult song for them, but they did amazing (the music teacher is great). 

We have also had lots of time with friends over the past few months.  I was able to get together with several mission friends: Katherine Norman (Hansen), Yessenia Gonzalez (Price), Keena Richmond (Williams), Trina Popenhagen (Dye), Kristin Hatch and Aino Kemppainen (Larsen).  We had such a great time.  We sat around and talked about mission memories and then made real tortillas and enchiladas.  REAL MEXICAN FOOD!  It was such a fun time, it is so nice to get together with people from the mission.

Scott and I got together with some friends from Herriman.  We went to Setto Bello in downtown Salt Lake and then played some games.  I miss them all, but am glad we get to stay in touch.  We also went to our first ugly sweater party with some friends in the neighborhood.  It was... interesting.  :)  I couldn't find a Christmas Sweater, so I just wore an ugly sweater--very 80's and I did my hair in that style, wore white hightops and pegged my pants.  Ah, what a sight. 

At the beginning of the month the lady I visit teach died.  Darcus Olsen.  She was quite old and very sick, but it was sudden and it threw me a bit.  Heidi and I had the opportunity to help her out for an afternoon a few months ago and I am so glad I got that time to serve her.  Her husband Dan was our home teacher, and now he has gone to live elsewhere.  We will miss them both.

We started a new tradition for Christmas and had a night of singing.  We invited about 35 people, but about 20 people showed up.  Quite a variety of people (different ages, etc) and it made a great group.  I think everyone had a great time.  We sang about 10 songs and had apple cider and treats.  I am excited that we will be able to continue it every year.

Brennan's birthday was the highlight of the month.  We had the funnest dinner celebration!  He wanted it fancy, so we put out china, menus, name placecards, and had a special dinner of Spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, and jello salad.  We had a sparkling juice and ended the meal with a giant cookie and root beer floats.  He got a chef's hat and apron and kitchen cooking utensils, lego sets, and magformers.  For his friend party, each kid made their own pizza and decorated their own cookie.  It was a successful party and very memorable.  He is such a joy to us and makes us smile with his vivid imagination.  School is fun for him and he is learning so much so fast.  I am so glad I get to spend every morning with him before he goes to school.  He is a wacky wonderful kid!  He also lost his first tooth this month!  What an important milestone. 

We spent Thanksgiving with Scott's family.  I made the rolls (great recipe: http://www.howdoesshe.com/delicious-dinner-rolls/).  It was a typical Thanksgiving and fun to be with family.  We started the Christmas activities the next day by going downtown to Temple Square with hot chocolate donuts.  While down there, we met up with my best friend from Ricks College, Jeannie Gallacci.  It was wonderful to see her!  And the activities kept us busy the rest of the year.

Putting up the Christmas Tree was quite an experience.  Poor Scott.  We bought the tree last year after Christmas for a great deal.  But that meant some work getting it all put together.  It took Scott several hours over several days getting the lights to work.  And then we worked on organizing all the other décor.  Scott really did a great job on the outside lights.  He spent hours out there.  When we finally got it all up, we had a "lighting ceremony" with our neighbors to turn the lights on at the same time.  Beautiful!

Some of the other fun activities we did over Christmas were singing at the old folks home.  We met a ninety nine year old who was the same height as Aidan.  She was darling.  I love that tradition.  We decorated candy Christmas trees, made/bought tons of special presents for each other (that was my favorite part of Christmas!), acted out the nativity, sang silly songs while upside down with our faces dressed as elves/santa, and because there was a lot of snow we did tons of sledding.  The kids even went back to the old neighborhood and sledded with their friends there.  We had the Daw family party and went caroling around to people in their neighborhood and ward.  Santa came and each kid got to talk with him and tell him what they wanted.  I love that they get to do that.  Omi and Opa came down to be with us for Christmas and we were able to go to the Brown family party on the 24th.  Elise got sick that day, so she and Scott stayed home.  It was fun to see family members and eat yummy food.  Unfortunately, as soon as I got there, I felt sick!  And so it was on Christmas, several of us were not feeling well. :(  And unfortunately, everyone else got it at some point!  Most of the vacation time we were just sitting around trying to get better. 

We did have a nice Christmas though and had fun with the presents we received (The kids have played nonstop with legos and I got a blendtec and have made several smoothies and other yummies with it!).  Merry Christmas everyone and Happy New Year!