A Saturday with nothing to do...

SO I told my kids that Saturday was going to be a NO SCREENS day. Meaning no DS's, no WII, no TV, and no computer. Can you imagine what a mean mom I am!!!! So after a couple HOURS of complaining of nothing to do, they decided to have a tea pary. J prepared the whole thing. They had a great time, and really enjoyed themselves. Made a big mess and had fun cleaning it up!



C heard all the excitement and wanted to join in but was told that he had to dress up to be invited. So after much complaining he came down like this....

I guess we need to force the kids to play like we did, so they can learn how. What are we going to do in this tech world of ours!

Nationals!

So J and I just got back from a Ballroom Nationals. It was crazy! It was like being thrown into a whole new culture! There are rules and etiquette that we had to learn. And the competition....whoa!!! It was an incredible show. I can't believe what some kids can do. They must live and breathe ballroom.

J did great. Her team placed 3rd in the NATION, and she got her first call back individually(in the swing). She was really excited about that. I am glad that she has something that she can set goals and work hard at. And I enjoy watching! I really love ballroom dancing.


The 3rd BEST team in the nation. (J not looking to excited in this picture)


Wow! Check out this makeup! They had to wear fake eyelashes, bronzer, and all the make up had to be the same, done by a professional)



Ready to Dance!


This was J and her partners swing! They got their first call backs!

Does this look familiar to anyone else?

So today....I need some validation. Seriously, is this normal?


If you can't tell, this is an example of our scripture study! Will someone remind me AGAIN, WHY we have scripture study. Do you think children can hear when they are asleep?


PS don't comment if your family's scripture study looks a little more like the front cover of the Ensign. It'll just make me depressed! :)

Chelsie's 22nd Birthday

Well, it is that special time of year again. March 5. Chelsie would have been 22 today. This morning I asked the kids what they remembered about her and surprisingly they remembered alot. She was such a presence in our family. E said, " she would have been on a mission right now, if she was alive" and I told him that was exactly where she was right now. Just a little bit longer than the normal 18 months that other girls go on.
Our tradition on Chelsie's birthday is to do something really hard for one whole day. Something that you struggle with and just can't seem to master. And ask Heavenly Father for his grace to help you accomplish it just for one special day. We have seen miracles happen by doing this. I truly think she must be allowed to help us today accomplish these challenges. I have seen it work every year. I am excited for the kids to see Heavenly Father's hand in their lives because they take this very seriously.
One of the kids is not going to cause any contention for one whole day, another is going to work on a relationship in the family that they struggle with, one of the kids is hoping for some extra help with a habit they are trying to break, one of the kids is going to work on trying not to make loud noises for one whole day, and all of us are trying to remember Chelsie by letting her know we are doing what we can to make it back to her someday.
I truly look forward to her birthday because of the spirit I feel and how close it helps me come to her. I know she is doing all she can to help us return to him. I know she would love to see us trying extra hard for her birthday. I am excited to accomplish my goal today. I know it will work with special help from her and the Lord. Happy Birthday Chelsie! We miss you!

The Moss Visit

Have you ever had a friend that understands you so well that she can explain YOU perfectly to yourself. AND in a way that helps you understand your self better? I have a friend like this. We have known each other for 12 years now. It has been wonderful for me to be able to process my thoughts outloud with someone who really "gets me". I needed her more than I ever realized and even took advantage of her friendship for a few of my more self absorbed years. But she forgives me for my weaknesses and is ALWAYS there for me. Sometimes I surprise myself in how much I tell her. In a way it is like a confessional, because I know that even though I may have unchristlike thoughts and behaviors, she will still love me and help me see the best way. I am so thankful for her friendship, especially in the trying times. I really don't know how I would have gotten through some of my more challenging times without her wisdom. We have grown so much together and someday after this life is over I am going to figure out a way to connect us together as family. Friends are forever right? I guess Jen we will have to do some matchmaking....I have lots of boys and you have lots of girls right?!!! Wouldn't it be fun to see us both on a pedigree chart connected to our grandkids? Just get them thinking, that is all I ask!!! I love you Jen! Thanks for all you do and have done for me!

This is our mass production of kids....my five and her six!I would have never imagined that we would have this many kids! Remember our little babies we had together when we first met at BYU! Who would have thought?!

Family Pictures

Well, here is my family pictures for 2009. My mom is our photographer and she is amazing. You should see the pictures before she gets ahold of them.

Really??? only 8 more days????

December is flying by! All of my good intentions are being put on the list for next year!!! It has been a fun month but I just am no good at being productive when I am pregnant!!! I miss feeling motivation!!! There will be other Christmas's to do everything right? This year I really am going to just enjoy the time with my family and not so much of the business part of it.