Still Winter

I know that I should change the background, but it is still winter here. It seems that it is going to be winter for awhile. Even in cold weather the kids keep growing, darn them! Harper has her first "wiggly" tooth, which she woke us up at three in morning to announce to the family. William is practicing hard at "dynamite", which is some sort of basketball game like "horse". Schools must be getting better because it is a lot easier to spell horse rather than dynamite...yea No Child Left Behind Act?! Ellie is navigating Middle School with all of the friend drama, braces, and me riding her about handing in her assignments. Our discussion usually going something like this:

Me: Ellie you need to hand in your assignments.
Ellie: But mom I know it.
Me: How does the teacher know you know it, if you don't hand it in.
Ellie: Because I know it.
Me: Hand in your homework...or else. (followed by stern eyes...I try to channel my father here).

Yes, it is deary and I am fighting the wearies. All the kids can do is continue to hope there is enough snow to ski in. Perspective. Happy Winter Day!

Christmas Tree Lane

Last week was Christmas Tree Lane, and Harper was part of the entertainment. Well, it wasn't a solo, but it was great. She didn't miss a shuffle nor a ball change. I was so proud...she nailed it, which is something that I never seemed to do. So here is a little picture of her back stage; she is still sporting that "I did awesome" glow! She danced to Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, which is why she is wearing antlers. It's not a look I normally encourage, but she's so cute she even makes antlers look good.

Merry Christmas!

We started our season by celebrating in Disneyland. I know that they say Disneyland is the Magical Kingdom, but in Christmas...it was extra magical, extra special, just extra! We were able to see an amazing light display on the "It's a Small World" building. It even snowed on cue, which didn't impress my kids too much...guess it's just a reminder of what they really want--snow, and more than a few flurries, so they can go skiing. Getting back to Disneyland wonder...the castle was fantastic! I had no idea that Christmas lights could be that pretty. Also, the garland, garland, garland that was EVERYWHERE! If you ever need wreath or garland ideas, go to Disneyland. Plus, the gardeners at Disneyland had planted poinsettia in the ground. I have never witnessed such a wonder...poinsettia growing directly from the dirt, in flowerbeds. Gardening in California does give you many more planting options?!

The trip was fantastic for almost everyone; Ryan had a case of food poisoning, so it wasn't quite the magic he was anticipating. But to top our whole trip, Gary Sinse read the Christmas Story while choirs from the area sang Christmas Hymns. It was the perfect last night in Disneyland for 2011. Merry Christmas!

Thankful!

Since, this week is Thanksgiving I would like to say that I am most thankful for my family! I have three great kids and a wonderful husband. Happy Thanksgiving!

Here's the Link

Sorry! I hit publish without the link! Let's cross our fingers and hope that everything works.

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Ellie's Survey

Ellie has to do a survey for science class, and she needs 30 people to take this by October 30th. She has created a survey online using surveymonkey (it is sad when your 11 year old knows how to do things on the computer that make you go, huh?!)

The Play's the Thing! (...especially for Ellie)

This summer that was Ellie's theme. She enjoyed Shakespeare Camp (with a special thank you to our Cedar City family!) and even had the chance to talk through a wall (if you question that statement just think Midsummer's Night Dream). Then she had a "play" birthday party, and then was able to participate in the Missoula Montana Play of Pinocchio. She was cast as Candlewick. "Yo, Pinocchio!"

Harper even got in on some of the play action. She was cast as a Baby Doll in Pinocchio. Unfortunately that has been her nick-name at school this year. However, I think it is cute. I love the cute little yellow dress, and pink cheeks! Next year, Will might even join in (I am not joking!)