Caroling for cans

Steven's Lacrosse program participated in a food drive called, "Caroling for Cans". Teams from all over the valley participated. Steven didn't want to go at first, but he decided to and had a great time. His team collected more than any other team.

Mike's Piano Recital

Mike had his piano recital on the 14th. He totally showed up all the kids. ;) He played, "What child is this" and a duet of "The First Noel" with Sarah. Yes, Sarah played two duets with family members before her recital. She was a good sport.

After the ward Christmas party the Saturday before, Mike was using the church piano to practice his song. The ward music director heard them playing and asked them to play for the Sacrament meeting on the 22nd. He refused at first, but finally gave in. They did a great job both times. 

Boys bedroom make-over

We weren't planning on doing a big make-over in the boy's room, so I didn't take any good before shots. You'd have to really see the walls with the posters to appreciate the blood sweat and tears that went into redoing it. ;) When we first moved into this house the boys each had their own room, but they decided they'd prefer sharing. We bought this bunk bed in Mississippi and didn't set it up until we got home. It was a work in progress. The boys decided to split it into two beds, but then it was ugly. ;)

We bought new beds from Ikea and they each got new nightstands and a new book shelf at the end of their beds. It looks about a gazillion times better. 

Steven and Adam's piano recital

Steven and Adam had their winter piano recital on the 5th. Their teacher Ashley chose to have the students play two duets with a partner instead of solo pieces. Steven was paired with a boy named Blake and they played really well together.

Adam was going to play both duets with James, but was frustrated with one of them. Sarah agreed to play, "The Little Drummer boy" with him so he could practice more at home. He and James then played Beethoven's 5th symphony.

They all did great and we were very proud of them. 

Random November

I'm not doing dedicated monthly Audrey posts, but there are so many cute pics I want to add. Audrey continues to love opening and closing drawers as well as dumping out all the contents of said drawers. 

Mike is constantly telling me to get rid of stuff and not hold onto stuff. Apparently I still need to consult him. I was trying to get rid of old costumes in our bin and ran across Sarah's old Kanga costume. It was in tatters so I put it out of it's misery. I let Mike know and he told me that was one of the only things he wanted me to hang onto from her childhood. Oops! Luckily I found the headpiece and saved it, but the rest of the costume returned to the earth from whence it came. Long live Kanga!

Audrey can be so "helpful when I fold laundry and clean the kitchen. Why do I even try? ;) I "Marie Kondo'd" our drawers and they became Audrey's newest fascination. She thought it all looked better on the floor. 

I took Steven to yet another Creature encounters. He never gets sick of them. 

Adam wear all of his underwear, t-shirts and shorts. Sarah managing Audrey at Kirklands. 

Thanksgiving in Colorado

It was our turn to drive to Colorado for Thanksgiving. The drive was a bit sketchy, and took us an 

extra hour or so, but we arrived. That evening Ashley took Sarah to see Lindsey Stirling with her girls. The highlight being when Lindsey sang, "Santa Baby", Mike's "favorite Christmas song. ;)

Despite his recent birthday and old age, Mike continues to be a fun dad and joined the boys for an jaunt in the hot tub. The kids/cousins spent quite a bit of time in the hot tub during the trip but it was COLD outside. 

We "only" had five pies to choose from Sarah had some of each. 

On Thanksgiving morning I went with the men to the rec center. I ran around a track where 11 laps=1 mile and still managed to run four miles or so.

It looks like I didn't get a picture of all the cousins together, but I did get this one of Emma snuggling with me and letting Audrey pet her. Emma has mellowed out a lot in her old age and was quite sweet during this trip. Sadly enough, she passed away quickly a few weeks after Thanksgiving. We will all miss Emma.

Lately, in my prayers, I've been trying to express my gratitude, but it always seems inadequate. I feel like I get to live a very charmed life. I'm married to a man I'm crazy about, I have five wonderful children. Mike's job provides well for us. I have no physical needs and get many of my wants. I have a testimony of my Savior, His life and what it means for my family in the eternities. I'm thankful for a mindful Heavenly Father that knows me personally and loves me. I'm grateful I get to be me and live this mortal experience. My blog is only read by people I care about, so thank you. I love you and am grateful for your role in my life.

Happy 14th Birthday Sarah!

For the second time in her life, Sarah's birthday fell on Thanksgiving. This meant she got an unlimited smorgasbord of food, with all she could eat pie all day long. She said she wanted a birthday pie instead of cake, so we bought her the "Eddy" from Rewhipped. It was delicioso!  Here are a couple pictures from her big day. 

It might look like she has only the number 9 on her cake, but there are also five single candles. We had to improvise. 

Sarah is a remarkable young woman. I don't mean to sound cheesy, but I feel so blessed to be her mom. I challenge her to do her best, knowing that her best is WAY more than my best ever was. ;) She is still a voracious reader. She is a good student, although I'd be lying if I said she loved school. She'd probably home school if I'd let her. She has many friends but usually wants to hang out with family after school because she thinks she socializes enough at school. Sarah has heard her dad tell her she can't date until she's, well, never, so she thinks boys are dumb. (At least that's what she tells us) Sarah is an amazing big sister. She jumps at the chance to help out with Audrey. I have to be careful not to take advantage of her kindness. She is a super star baby sitter and usually has multiple people try and hire her. She has a great sense of humor and I love watching shows with her and hearing her laugh at things I didn't think she'd understand. She is witty, wacky and wonderful. Not to mention, um, graceful. ;) We love you princess!