Christmas Piano Recital

This is just for you Dad. Here are the kids piano recital pieces from Dec. 15th. 

Cameron wasn't too happy with how her piece turned out during the recital so I had her do it again after almost everyone left. This version is better but unfortunately there are still some people talking in the background.

Tender Moments

I know this post is out of sequence. I can't always wait to get caught up to share the feelings in my heart. Since they are particularly raw tonight I thought I would write them down before the time is gone and life rushes on and these feelings are long forgotten.

This is the time of year when my emotions are so close to the surface I feel like tears are constantly leaking out of my eyes. There are so many things going on physically and spiritually that I turn into a blubber bucket. Eden got baptized yesterday. Just thinking about it makes me weepy. She was so happy and beautiful. I've never seen her look so radiant before. She was smiling from ear to ear and giggling. She filled the room and all of our hearts with light. As Ryan blessed her with the gift of the Holy Ghost he mentioned our little Lilian and how Eden's birth healed a hole in our aching hearts. She brought new life and light into our lives at a time when we were so low.

I've been feeling particularly low lately. The holidays always overwhelm me. Despite all of my best intentions I can never get into the true spirit of Christmas. I never seem to be able to let go of the lists and the errands and the need to do's to have time to ponder and appreciate all that this time of year means. But for some blessed reason I was able to shut it out long enough yesterday to enjoy the moment and feel the Spirit and bask in Eden's glow and remember what is most important to me which is my children.

They are growing up. The days fly by filled with more moments of chaos than tenderness. I often go to bed wondering if I'm doing any good and if I am ever going to come through all of this with some sanity left. And then every slim once in a while there is a beautiful moment that impresses itself upon my soul and I think, maybe it will all work out right. Yesterday Cameron played the piano beautifully and Dallin conducted. Ryan baptized Eden and then Dallin gave an wonderful talk on the Holy Ghost. I felt so proud of my children and their testimonies. Even now as I'm typing this Austin just interrupted me (although he's supposed to be in bed) because he wanted me to write down his testimony for next fast Sunday. This is what he just had me write down,

   One day last Sunday (tonight) when I was in my bed the wind was blowing and I got scared about it and I went to my brother's room and asked him what to do. He didn't say anything and told me to go to bed. So I said a prayer to Jesus. I said, "Heavenly Father, I thank you for this day. Help me to find a way that I won't be scared of the wind." I said, "please answer fast because I'm really scared" and then I thought of a way by putting a giant pillow over my head so I wouldn't hear it. It (the idea) just popped into my head.

He was excited and smiling and jumping up and down while I wrote it all down. I asked him how it felt to have Heavenly Father hear and answer his prayer and he said it felt really good. Then he ran off to go to bed and I sat here staring at what I had just written and I'm thinking, see what I mean? I have beauty and chaos going on all around me and my poor soul doesn't know what to make of it all. But here's what I think. As hard as it is to be a parent, for example, Ryan just got on a plane to Texas, the kids reminded me I have to drive carpool tomorrow, we have something going on every single night this week and multiple school Christmas activities during the day, Evelyn is talking in bed when it's an hour past her bedtime, and there is some crazy windstorm going on outside. So, as much as these things have me stretched to my limits, Austin just reminded me of the greatest gift I have as a parent. That is a Heavenly Father who is working by my side to help my children with all the things I can't do for them. And because they know He's there for them and hears and answers their prayers I am comforted to know they will always follow Him. I can see how this process has grown with my children from Dallin who serves others with the Priesthood, to Cameron who fasts for others, to Eden who was so happy to be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, to Austin who knows he can pray when he's scared, and finally even to little Evelyn who loves to sing Jesus wants me for a sun Beam! It's all part of God's plan for how we raise our children and somehow, despite the chaos of my life, it's working. I'm grateful for the beautiful, precious moments in life that make the chaos all worth it. And I'm grateful for a little less quiet Sunday evening to ponder it all.

Knotts Berry Farm

This trip to California we decided to go to Knotts Berry Farm instead of Disneyland. The kids had never been there before and we thought they might like some of the bigger roller coasters. It just so happened that our good friends the Barton's and the Holley's were there that week too so we all went together.

It was a hot, humid day but we practically had the place to ourselves.

Evelyn giving Snoopy a hug!

These two boys loved the Log Ride. They rode on it over and over again, without even getting off since there was no one in line. It reminded me so much of my brother Adam. When I was a little girl my dad took Adam and I to Knott's. After the very first ride, Montezuma's Revenge, we lost Adam. We found him 8 hours later on the log ride. He had been going back and forth between those two rides the whole time!

Some rides were a bit slower than I remembered but they were perfect for Evelyn.

Most of the big rides Evelyn had to sit out for. She had a lot of fun with other things, though.

The Barton's, the Smith's, and the Holley's

I'm not a fan of huge roller coasters anymore. I guess it's old age. But I was happy to take Evelyn on all the kiddy rides at Camp Snoopy. Meanwhile my 8 year old sat in the front row of the biggest, fastest, scariest roller coasters and loved every minute of it. It's nice to know my previous enthusiasm for wild rides lives on in some of my children.

Evelyn makes the silliest faces. It's almost impossible to get her to just smile.

Good thing Will and Alan were there to move Evelyn along.

One last ride before the park closed at 6 pm. It was a little early but I didn't mind. Without long lines we managed to get on every ride more than once. I think everyone got there fill.

Aladdin

We've started a tradition of going to see a show at the Tuacahn outdoor theater every year. This year we decided to see Aladdin on our way down to California for my 20 year high school reunion.

At the last minute Ryan decided to stay at the hotel with Evelyn. I was secretly glad I got to go to the show with the kids. I really love it.

The performances are always so impressive. We were on the sixth row and had a perfect view of the stage. It was great! But there was quite a bit more singing and dancing than we had expected. Austin got a little antsy towards the end. He was hoping for more action but this show was more humor less action.

After the show was over a storm rolled in and it rained all night. We had to put our luggage in a soaking wet storage carrier for the drive to California. Good thing the condo we rented had a washer and dryer.

Dallin's First Cross Country Meet

Dallin's first cross country meet was a district meet with all the local jr. high's. He says he doesn't like running but I think he looks like a natural!

Lap 1

Lap 2

Coming in for the finish!

The First Day of School!

School started on Aug. 21st. I wasn't able to get a picture of Dallin and Cameron before they ran out the door. Cameron was so nervous about trying to make it to all of her classes on time and being able to open her locker. But she did great!

I had fun taking Eden and Austin to school. They were so excited to meet their teachers and find out who was in their class. Lucky for them both of their best friends are in their classes this year.

It's That Time of Year Again

Last year Austin had Mrs. Lyman for his teacher. We loved her! She did a great job managing her enthusiastic class and helping Austin be a better reader. I was happy to see that Austin does really well in class. He doesn't talk to much and is a good listener. But he is also a great friend and had a lot of fun playing at recess with his buddies.

Eden absolutely adored her teacher Mrs. Blackhurst. She is about as sweet as you can get. She made Eden feel loved and special. She also helped Eden improve in reading and math. Eden had so many friends in her class she almost didn't know what to do. It was fun, fun, fun, everyday.

Cameron had Mr. Gull. He was a great teacher but has since moved on to bigger opportunities. He is at another school this year preparing for an administration position. Cameron had a lot of huge projects that she accomplished with style (and without procrastinating). She definitely proved she's ready for Jr. High.

Dallin finished his first year of Jr. High with almost all A's. He only got one B because he missed a presentation due to a play performance and the teacher wouldn't let him make it up. I'm really proud of him, though. He worked really hard and stayed on top of all of his assignments. He loved not being stuck in the same classroom all day with the same kids. He made some new friends and had some great experiences.

Last Campout

Ryan promised Austin he would take him camping before school started up again. Austin really wanted all the kids to go. It took a little convincing to get All of them but we did it. Even if some preteen girls weren't too happy about it.

Austin begged Ryan for weeks to take him to Stokes to buy this shovel he saw. They haven't been separated much since he got it.

I think they heard something in the forest.

Rise and shine sleepy heads!

Our Anniversary Gift

While we were in Colorado for our anniversary Ryan's cousin Elise stayed with the kids. We got a wonderful surprise when we came home Sunday night. Elise had taken pictures of the kids, had them decorate mats with their hand prints, framed them and wrapped them for Ryan and I to open. It was the perfect anniversary present. Here are some of the shots that she took...