I love being this boy's mom!

This kid loves dinosaurs. So when we had an opportunity to go on a field trip together to see dinosaurs--we jumped on it! He loved every minute of it. He knows so much information about the dinosaurs--that he was able to soak up even more information!

One morning he woke up and wrote his very own story--he followed the pattern of Brown Bear, Brown Bear what do you see--to describe his tree, flowers, caterpillars and other bugs in our front yard. After teaching 2nd grade, I do know how amazing this is!

He and his brother want to make movies together. They will be great at it!

This winter he took skating lessons! It was fun to watch him figure out how to do the swizzles, glides, one foot glides ect, ect. He want to take lessons again in the fall. He should pick it up again easily!

The artist! His Pointalism horse was exhibited at a real art museum. I love that the art museum does this, and am thankful that he had an art teacher that took the time and effort to have artwork displayed. Way to go!

A close up shot of the boy and the picture.

Don't get me wrong--he can be a bear and has a temper. Some of it stems from his being so good at everything, and trying to be good at everything. Other times it is because of lack of sleep, or just the need to get out and run.

In addition, he decided at Thanksgiving to be a Vegetarian, and has kept to his vow! He doesn't eat much candy because it is bad for him (I don't know who taught him that!) He started reading the Book of Mormon by himself--which takes a lot of patience on my part. He is amazing and will be able to do anything he puts his mind to--and more amazing no one will be able to change his mind! I just hope and pray that he continues to make a lot of great choices!

Harry Potter Party!

When the kids arrived, they had an owl "deliver" a supply list. Then they went to Gringott's Bank on Diagon Alley to receive their money. They, like Harry Potter, had to go underneath the entrance into the vault. We carefully zoomed them down the stairs into the vault! After they received their money, they went shopping. They bought wands, potion supplies, and a beginning spell book. Everyone was able to decorate their own wands.

Part 2: Sorting and Feast

Each wizard and witch was sorted, and then they went to the feast!!!

Ravenclaw Table!

The different houses!

There were no Slytherins at the party, well unless you include Professor Snape.

The true Griffendors!

Hufflepuffs--the friendly table!

The best part of the party was the potions class. Mike did a great job of setting it up. Each wizard or witch had their own mason jar and ingredients. They mixed it all up! The potion bubbled over everything!

GG loved being apart of the party!

One of H's friends! He hadn't read any of the Harry Potter books, but who can't love an exploding potion!

They added different crystals to the basic potions, so each potion turned out slightly different in color.

After potions class, we had a basic spells class--where they learned some spells to help them with the obstacle course. The obstacle course with balance beams, spinners, climbing, jumping, and kicking also included: Boggarts, Dementors, Death Eaters, and fire. The wizards had to use the correct spells to pass each obstacle!

I love the simpleness--the lighting scar!

We also made Butterbeer--too sweet for me but it was still fun!!!! We had a great time--so fun to create with everyone's help a fun party! H and J contributed many ideas and helped with the cleaning, sign making, and organizing the party! Mike was a life saver--and the potions class was a blast. I had fun making the spell books for each child. I wonder what the theme will be next year?

They grow up too fast--but sometimes they come back

I took my three children to one of these! (I didn't take any pictures because I was rather busy.) My two boys ran off together into their world of imagination. Running everywhere defending the universe from the bosses. I followed my little, but tall) three year old all around. Jumping on the air mattress, crawling through tunnels, sliding down twisty slides. I wish I had brought knee pads as I crawled through the tunnels. I even sometimes looked longingly at the mothers reading their books on the sidelines--wondering when I would be able to just watch. Then quickly reminding myself that the time will come and I will be sad. Then it happened. My little girl went on her own, climbed to the top of the tower all by herself, went down the slides, went through the tunnels, and I just watched from the sidelines. I didn't really know how to feel. Proud that she had done it on her own, yet at the same time I felt abandonned. Then her voice rang out clear, "Come on, Mommy!" Of course I followed her up the winding staircase, not envying those mothers on the sidelines, and glad that my knees hurt!

I like my birthdays everyone!

On H's birthday my dad took him and two of his cousins to the dinosaur museum. Then he went out to eat! When he got home, I asked him what he had to eat, he said, "milkshake and cheese fries." He was very happy!

We had a lot of family come in for H's big day. We moved his birthday celebration to Friday when the family was going to be here. Both sets of grandparents and two sets of cousins were there. My brother and his wife drove from Pittsburgh for the weekend, and we have one set of cousins that live here. It was fun to have everyone!

The traditional scripture cake for the 8 year old.

H loves the 2000 warriors! This is such a great scripture for this kid. He has so many phobias: heights, talking in front of people, having people put their hands into his mouth. He has to conquer each of these phobias every time he wants to go down a slide, have me turn his expander, give a talk at church. Never have I seen so great courage. . . .

There they are: father and son. I love how worthy dad's get to baptize their children. It is such a joy. There was a lot of work getting ready for this special day---and it turned out wonderful!

Our family. GG certainly knows how to put on the charm. I was desperately trying to loose weight to fit into the skirt--I didn't quite make it but wore it anyways--oh well.

I have new respect

For dental hygentist!!!

My oldest son had several impacted teeth--so we had to go the orthodontist! He got this place in his mouth. I am to take a little tiny tool, put it into his mouth and move the center piece. I can't do it. My son sits patiently while I try move it. We might be taking another trip to the dentist just to have them teach me how to do it again. I didn't realize their job was so difficult! It really takes a lot of skill to clean the teeth and manipulate all the tiny tools inside someone's mouth.

I used to take pictures

I used to take pictures--lots of pictures. I would take them for scrapbooks, to email to others, and of course to blog. I wonder what has happened. I even got a new camera (maybe that's the problem) and I don't take pictures.

Things I should take pictures of:

1. Anakin taking ice skating lessons.
2. GG taking piano lessons. (I don't even think I took pictures of her during gymnastics).
3. Luke taking piano lessons.
4. Luke with his braces.
5. Random cuteness.

I hope I can get out of the slump--because I really like pictures! I especially like random cuteness because that gets me through all the temper tantrums.

Any ideas--suggestions??

January

After digging out of the snow several times, wearing multiple layers to brave the cold, and slipping everywhere we walk--I'm glad that January is behind us.

We had one day off for a cold day. Anakin called is a Freeze day, rather than a snow day. We had a great time just relaxing. We also started piano lessons for both Luke and GiGi. We have two different programs. I am learning a lot. I took piano lessons for about seven years--but never learned very good technique. So needless to say--I am finally learning!

Anakin took a 6-week ice skating lesson. I love watching him march across the ice and wiggle his little tush to skate backwards. He is really a good listener--so it is fun to watch him improve.

I've been exercising--trying to get back to my pre-holiday size. Why is so easy to put on weight but so hard to take off.

On Ground Hog's Day we were hit by the storm of the century.

The snow was a sizable amount--but it was the drifts that were amazing. There was no snow in some spots and feet and feet of snow in other spots. We got two days off school for that storm.

We still have single digit numbers in the forecast this week--can you tell I don't like it when it gets that cold.

The kids are doing great---and I have time to blog in our warm home and exercise in a nice warm gym--so.