An Artist

 My mom has always been an artist, however most of her time she spent being a mom and teaching.  Since she retired she has been able to spend more time developing her skill.  Although I'm not surprised, I am impressed by what she's been doing.  I have wanted to brag on her a bit.  Recently she won a blue ribbon at the state fair for her "cows" painting.  She is a great example of continuing your education, and stretching yourself when it would be easier to just be comfortable.  In addition to her painting, she also has been working at the Church Museum as a docent and is constantly learning and working hard at new things.

Kiddos and Fall Leaves

The Dort Children

I would not normally post about service, however I want to share these photos and letters that were sent to me with our family.  Last Christmas our family -meaning our WHOLE extended family- joined together and got this sweet family in school.  The Dort children from Haiti.   This was a blessing to our family.  It gives us perspective and helps us appreciate our wonderful school and many opportunities for developing talents and enriching our lives as well as those around us.  When the earthquake happened in Haiti, it helped the children connect with the people who were suffering because we knew these kids and could pray specifically for them.    If any one wants to find out more about sponsoring a child, go to haitianroots.com.

Dear family:  We are going to try and keep these kids in school this year, if you are interested in helping out again.  Thanks so much!!!

Lunch With The Mayor

Here is MissC on her way to lunch with the Mayor.  She represented her grade at our school, what an honor!!  What a cutie!!

Mom's Closet Fashion Show

For Young Women's, we were supposed to come dressed in something we dug out of our mom's or grandma's closet.  I couldn't raid my mom's or my grandma's closet, so I raided GMan's.  You can't see it in this picture, but I have shoved my size 7 feet into his size 3 skater shoes.  It was cool.

Just Can't Get Enough

Of this guy.  Well, sometimes I've "had enough".  But he's the cutest and makes us smile a lot.

More LittleC

Ty Conquers "The Big Nasty"

Ty biked in a 68 mile ride supporting the Moab Cancer Clinic.  They call it "The Big Nasty".  Something like 3000 feet gained in just 7 miles.  This was kind of a last minute decision for him to do the race, and he didn't have the best week for preparation.  In fact, the day before he did some roofing for a neighbor and kind of wrenched his back and also gained some pretty bad blisters on his hands.  This kind of climbing (5400 total vertical feet) was pushing him a little out of his comfort zone, a little out of mine too.  I was worried, but proud of him for deciding to challenge himself and give it a try.  I drove it with him to give support, and even in a car it was pretty nasty!  It was killer steep.  He made it though and I couldn't be more proud!  Way to go!  The funny thing is, afterwards at lunch he teased me about what the title of my post was going to be.  He knows me well.  He pretends to think I'm obsessed, but really he loves it.  :) 

Preschool

MissL woke up and started chanting, "It's my first day of school...it's my first day of school."  She told everyone whether they wanted to know or not.  She had a lot of enthusiasm, infact too much for Gman in the morning, he just glared at her.  When we got to her school, she said, "I know where to go so you don't have to walk me."  "You don't want me to walk you?"  I say.  "Well, you can if you want."  She is a confident girl.  When I got back to the car LittleC was sobbing, "Me Doe!"  That means "I want to go".  He doesn't like to be separated from his sissy, MissL.  Of course if he hadn't had so much trouble letting her go, I probably would have.

Extreme Measures in Parenting

If you can't seem to control your children, don't be afraid to pull out the Saran Wrap!  


Just kidding!  These characters showed up in my front room to show off their latest trick with pride.  Any ideas how they opened the front door?  Yep...chin, very impressive.  Of course if you have wrapped yourself in Saran Wrap what else is there to do but "war"?!!!