my birthday

My kids kicked me out of my office for two days.  I was not allowed to go in because of all the work they were putting into making me birthday presents.  I was cringing on the inside only imagining what kind of mess they were making!  It was hard not to look, but I was a good girl and stayed out.  They worked on Saturday, Sunday, and then after school on Monday... so I guess that was 3 days.  Anyway, I was totally surprised, shocked, and amazed at my amazing birthday gifts!  

Trying to figure out what the clamoring was going on in the kitchen, I walked in and discovered that the kids were actually dressed and ready for school!  Kaylea was making all the lunches,  Claudia was emptying the dishwasher, Samuel was setting the table, and Daniel was getting the backpacks and water bottles ready.  WOW!  Could my birthday be everyday?  

With a perfect morning, I was able to get a 5 mile run in before heading off to school.  While visiting each class, the kids wished me a Happy Birthday and Kayleas class even made me cards!  So sweet!

I met Scott for a sweet but quick 30 minute lunch and then headed back to school to get the kids.

After a sweet, and I don't mean nice, afternoon of homework and supper, the kids were ready for the fun to begin!

This was by far... the best birthday ever!  

(actually, I need to take that back, 14 years ago, Scott proposed, but you get the idea!)

Before I opened all my presents we skyped my parents so they could be involved in the excitement.

Samuel gave me a pillow case full of his tinker toys.  He said,  "Mom, you can have them so that we can play together and build shooting guns!"  

Claudia gave me a collage of eveyones' hands that they had traced, cut, and painted with their own design. 

 (there are actually 7 hands because Samuel wanted both of his hands on the picture.)

Kaylea made me a pin cushion out of a tin can, fabric, ribbon, and used the hot glue gun to put it all together!  She put almonds inside for whenever I got hungry while sewing.  She also put together a photo album and a chore coupon book.  I can't wait to use that!

Daniel helped make and wrap all of the above with his craftiness.  

I loved every minute.  I love my kids... they helped make my birthday the most special day!

Scott had no input to any of this!  After the presents were handed out, the office was cleaned, I went over to my computer to check my e-mail, moved the mouse, and saw that the kids had googled... handmade crafts for mom!  so cute!  I didn't even know that knew how to do that!

I love ya all and am so blessed to have an amazing family!

Thank you my little ones!

my teacher portfolio

Before I threw this book away, I wanted to be able to remember all the months of hard work that I had to put into my project.  The way I put it together was so elementary... the cover, the table of contents, the computer disc that contained my presentation, and my lesson plans that I had to create;  it was so me then.  I couldn't wait to start teaching and it seemed that all things around me... spoke that.

 

afternoon on ice...

The kids had been begging to go iceskating before christmas.  Of course December is such a crazy month and to add anything else to our list just wasn't possible.  So we decided it would be great to go over after school when the kids could skate without a crowd... and it worked out perfect!  The kids loved it!  Notice Claudia... no coat!  Kaylea... well, she is totally layered!  I was freezing just sitting on the sidelines!  

Kids will do just about anything to have a good time.

family home evening

Elder Flores and Elder LeBaron hung out with us tonight braving my new chicken dish and staying for our family home evening lesson.  Lately, it seems as if everytime the missionaries come over we are somehow playing with our food.  Tonight was no different... trying to hit Goliath in the head with giant marshmallows!   The kids love this lesson of Faith and Courage and enjoy sharing it with all our visitors.  

samuel's first basketball game

Idlewild Presbyterian Church has an amazing sports activities for kids.  We have really loved being a part of their basketball program.  Before every game the teams say a prayer to keep everyone safe.  Samuel was the first one of my kids to volunteer to say the prayer.   Scott and I were holding our breath... not exactly knowing what he would include in his prayer.  It must have gone well because we heard lots of Amens!  

He had a smile the entire game... especially while he was dribbling across the court.  So fun to watch all these little kids attempting to play basketball.  Next week I am totally bringing my video camera.  Too funny not to record!

Scooter... Claudia's class pet

Claudia was chosen to bring home Scooter for the weekend.  She took her job seriously as a responsible child should.  She fed him, bathed him in the washer (because everyone knows how i am about dirty things sleeping in the bed with my kids), buckled him into the seat belt while driving from one activity to another, and made sure that he had a great place to sleep.  Claudia had to write about all activities in Scooters journal.  All the kids loved having Scooter spend the weekend with us!  Such a great time!

Slave labor!

When ya make a mess in our house, no matter what kind... it's ya job to clean it up!  

Samuel is a culprit of most!

girls closets

The girls makeshift chest of drawers and closet.  We are making the most of what we have.  Behind each door is an entrance to the attic.  Their room is small but they love being up stairs, by themselves, in their own little space!

being efficient?

I asked Samuel to get the extra chairs for the missionaries when they came over to eat... and this is what I saw as I turned around.  Pretty impressive... carrying two chairs stacked together.

daniel and his dad

The boys have been talking about rockets for a awhile now and when Dr. Boop gave the boys rockets for Christmas... they were thrilled!  

SUpeR ExCiTED!

Concentrating intently on making a rocket... gluing waiting, gluing waiting, gluing waiting.  It takes days to put together a rocket.  Its not hard to make, its just the process of waiting for the glue to dry  perfect that takes forever!

And then the day of launching!

....only minutes to destroy!  But totally worth it!

Daniel's party

We celebrated Daniel's birthday a little later this year.  I just couldn't get it together before Christmas… mainly because it rained for 2 weeks straight!  Daniel wanted to have his party outside with a fire to roast hotdogs and marshmallows.  This weekend was perfect!  The boys had a blast and loved hanging out in the backyard!

Happy belated Birthday Bud!  

We love ya!

i did IT

26 degrees… and I ran 11 miles!

yeah for ME! but...

I froze the first 2 miles with no felling in my hands and feet but then warmed up.

The turn around point is at the 5 1/2 mile marker.

I Didn't realize how hard the wind was blowing because I was running with it.

Soooo, on the way back, the wind ripped through my wind jacket, my hands were numb while wearing gloves, and I couldn't feel my toes again. I was totally rethinking this whole crazy idea that I had about being able to conquer the frigid winter chill. My face felt as if there were a million pins prickling through my skin. My lips hurt… I could barely get my legs to move!

Then I saw a man running toward me and realized that he was out in this blistering cold running in shorts!

Okay… I'll suck up the pain! I can do it! No problem!

Yeah RigHT!

I was never happier to see my house!

Next time I will pay closer attention to the weather man when he is talking about 10 mile per hour gusts blowing down from the north… while the temperature is 26 degrees.

I learned my lesson.

Ready to pack my bags and move back to Phoenix!!!

Anyone have a job there for my hubby?

snowflakes hanging out around the house

We love to celebrate birthdays!

Elder Owen requested a chocolate birthday cake… and that is what we made for him!  I just add the white chocolate "snow" on top!

Happy 20th Birthday to you!

a good laugh!

I volunteer every Tuesday and Thursday at the kids school and just love it! I read with kids, work on math, or just help some kids catch up on their classwork. This little bit of time each week that I get to work with the kids allows me to have my "fix" of teaching. Teaching the little kiddos is such a blessing... and to watch them "get it" just makes it all worth it. It is so exciting to watch the "light bulb" going off in their mind as the smile crosses their face.

But this week, Samuel decided to make things a little more exciting for his teacher and class.

As I am kneeling down on the floor next to a child helping them write a story, I can see Samuel out of the corner of my eye walking over beside of me. I feel his arms begin to wrap around my neck... but pauses.

I am still working with the little girl and focused on helping her find a word on the word wall. I feel Samuel grab hold of my head and tilt it towards him. I was thinking that this hug was a little different, but continued teaching.

I feel some little fingers digging around in my hair at the top of my head. After a few seconds he speaks to me in a serious voice and says very matter of fact, "Mom, did you know that you have GOLD in your hair?"

Before I able to respond I hear another kid say, "yes, I see it too!"

I turn around and reply, "yes, you are right, there is tons of silver in my hair and I guess I need to color it AGAIN!" In my mind I start to calculate and realize that I colored it less than 4 weeks ago! WHAT? I can't believe it.

I have been talking about going lighter gradually over the next few years. But now it may be sooner. Yes, it runs on my moms side of the family... go grey early but keep a head full of hair! So don't be surprised if ya see me with blond hair! You will know why!

After Samuel makes his big announcement, I look over and see his teacher grinning ear to ear but totally avoiding me. I just laugh, turn around, and keep on working.

Gotta love kinder kids!

PoPCoRN olympic

Popcorn Olympics is a great Family Home Evening Activity with kids.  We invited the missionaries and the Kimball Herd over to play with us.  It just happened to be the quads birthday too!  

After reading the Parable of the Popcorn the games began!

Popcorn toss

Popcorn race

Popcorn drop

Laughing the entire time!  These missionaries know how to have a great time!

Before leaving we had birthday brownies and put 5 candles in each.  We all sang happy birthday and the boys were thrilled to blow out the candles!

Happy Birthday 

Guy

Everett

Sevy

Lincoln