snow day 2

cookie time

It just isn't a proper Holiday without some sugar cookie making (and eating too!). So I invited David's family over Sunday evening to decorate some cookies. The kids had a great time making their masterpieces.

Do you think Mia used enough sprinkles??

December. .. already??

Where did November go??

I totally flaked out on my gratitude for November. Well, not totally. We keep a gratitude journal as a family (inspired by Shannon, my SIL). . .. and I wrote something I was greatful for almost every day. Just didn't post it on the blog.

I was also going to get my Christmas Cards out early this year. .. . mostly to get it done, but also because last year I didn't even send out cards, and we have moved and a lot of people don't even have our address. But I realized today that not only have I not done the cards yet, but I don't have a single picture to put on a card because I have been so bad at taking photos this year. So we took a few snap shots after church today.

Here they are. . . .

So I made the cards online and will get them out this week. So look for yours in the mail !:)

Gratitude Nov. 16, 17, 18, 19

Nov. 16. . . . I am greatful for a busy business. I may complain about always being busy, and how even when I have a day off work at Nordstrom, I am constantly running around to get things delivered, picked up, etc. But I am greatful that we have a successful business. This is just a picture of some bags that we did for the girls basketball team at Springville High School. Nov. 17. . . . I am greatful for a little indulgence. With the cold weather starting, I have taken a liking to some Hot Chocolate as a treat. This is my current favorite. . . . Candycane Cocoa. But almost any type of cocoa will do.

Nov. 18. . . . .I am greatful for Kennedy. What a girl she is! This picture was actually taken earlier in the month when the 5th graders at her school graduated from the DARE program. It was an educational program where the students learned about drugs, alcohol, etc. and how harmful it is. Kennedy received the DARE student award for her class. You can see her medal around her neck. She is posing with the local police officer that came to the school to teach the students for the program.

Nov. 19. ... . I greatful for the opportunity to give back. . . . I feel like I am constantly asking others to help me with my kids. I am greatful that I get a chance to return the favor and help others too. I was able to watch the little girls of the friend that does a lot of tending for Mia while I go to work. It was fun having a little baby for a few hours!! Sorry. . . so pictures. I have been terrible at picture taking lately.. . .

Gratitude make up. .. nov 12, 13, 14

Nov. 12, I am greatful for Dreams. Not the dreams I have at night. ... but just being able to dream in life. Have ideas and making them come true Nov. 13, I am greatful for date night with my husband! David and I went out to eat and ran into a couple from our old neighborhood. We got a table together and had a great time visiting and catching up. Nov. 14, I am greatful for warmth. Particularly being able to sit by the fireplace and relax. Isn't that what Sunday is about? Having a bit of time to relax. .. .

Gratitude make up. . .. nov 10, 11

Nov. 10. . .. I am greatful for great friends and neighbors. I love where we live. I had to work late last Wednesday and was concerned about all my kids getting home from school with the weather, and I had several friends offer to give rides home, help with Mia, and overall just give me a real peace of mind that everything was ok at home while I was gone.

I am greatful for fantastic friends and neighbors!!

Nov. 11. . .. .

I am greatful for book club!

Once a month I get to get together with some fantastic ladies to eat, visit, laugh, and talk about books.

Here is a sample of the tasty food we had last Thursday. My month waters just thinking about it!

We had a smaller group last week. .. but still had a great time! It is definitely something we all look forward to each month :)

Gratitude Nov 15

I have some Gratitude catching up to do. . . and I have it all written out. Just haven't posted. But I am jumping ahead to today. Today I am greatful for. ...

MY DAD

My Dad's birthday is today! So HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the most giving, caring, understanding, person that I know. Thanks for being such a great example to me and my family! We love you and have a great day.

I AM GREATFUL FOR MY DAD!

Gratitude. ... Nov. 9

I am grateful for. . . . .

BASKETBALL! Well. . . . kind of. ... Seeing your children smiling with happiness is definitely something that makes any parent happy. The past two nights, Luke has been trying out for the High School 8th grade Bantam basketball team. He came home beaming with excitement last night, because he was so excited about his team! David is actually going to coach. So I am also greatful that David isn't coaching at the Jr. High this year so he can devote his time to coaching Luke instead! OH. ... and the JAZZ beat Miami in overtime last night too. . ..so that doesn't make me as happy as Luke's basketball, but still a little something to be happy about :)

So I am greatful for Basketball!

Gratitude

". . . That ye live in Thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you" Alma 34:38

I love the idea of posting something I am greatful for everyday for the month of November. . . but. . . I am getting a late start. I somehow either go crazy with my posting, or I get so far behind that it is hard to catch up! But I want to join in the gratitude November. So here I am playing catch up. . . with a lack of pictures. . . I will try to be better after today.

Nov. 1. . .. I am thankful for thoughtful people, like my sister in law, Shannon. I received a little surprise in the mail that made my day! I will forever be learning from Shannon the meaning of thoughtfulness!

Nov. 2. . . .I am thankful for a nice job. I enjoy working at Nordstrom.

Nov. 3. . . . I am greatful that I get to listen to Elizabeth read from the scriptures(well I get to listen to all my kids read during scrpicture and prayer, which I am greatful for. . . but I am especially thankful for getting to listen to Elizabeth) because she has improved so much!

Nov. 4. . . .. I am greatful for inspired leaders. I met with the Bishop and was extended a release from the Primary Presidency. It was a testimony building experience for me how Heavenly Father is aware of me and what I need in my life.

Nov. 5. . . . I am greatful for a thoughtful husband, who makes me feel like it is OK if I decide I want to lay on the couch and relax instead of clean the house!! He even will bring me food when I feel so lazy I don't even want to get up. . . .what a guy :)

Nov. 6. . . . I am greatful for Vin's new family (our dog). We sold Vin to her new family. They will be able to give her the attention she deserves. I do feel bad that our girls were sad. . .. but I am also greatful that they understand. .. . .

Nov. 7. .. . I am greatful for the amazing women I have worked with in the Primary! I can't say enough how I will miss working closely with each of them. . . .they have been such a strength to me the past year.

Nov. 8. . . . .I am greatful for quiet time. Kids in bed. Time to think. Ahhhh

So now I am quickly caught up. . .. Hopefully I can finish out the month with a few pictures to make it interesting!!

Just a few notes. . .

I went to parent teacher conferences yesterday with all the girls. They are all doing well. Mia is ready to read and I never would have dreamed that she would be communicating as well as she is! I thought I would share a poem Kennedy wrote for class, because I am prone to throw these thing away. . . .so this way I will have it forever!! (without the clutter!) And here is a picture she made of herself:

I also wanted to share a little note that Elizabeth wrote in her journal about her baptism. . . .It is on the right side of the page. Sorry, I didn't take the time to crop like I should. . . .

Pumpkin Contest

Last week, Elizabeth went on a field trip to the farm and pumpkin patch with all the second grade. They came home with a pumpkin that they had to decorate (no carving) and bring back to school today for a contest. This is our pumpkin. .. We are a bit nervous that the nose isn't going to stay in place, and not sure why it is dripping "snot" down the front of the pumpkin. So I had to get pictures before it is ruined. I almost wish she wasn't taking it to school. . .. that way it won't get ruined. Of course, Dad, helped with the painting!!

I think we should name her Elphaba!

What do you When Mom's not around??

Apparently, you take a few pictures. ..

I was looking for my camera, to do all these blog updates today. I had a few surprises on my camera!

Apparently, Mia wants to be a self photographer. . . .

Halloween Party

A neighbor of ours threw a big Halloween party today for the kids. What an endeavor that was. .. there are a LOT of kids in our neighborhood. But the girls were so excited to get dressed up today. Here is Kennedy with her BFF and next door neighbor, Jeanette. They designed their costumes, and Jeanettes' Mom made them from scratch. .. with out a pattern!! WOW, is all I can say. Don't they look cute. The ladybug and the bumblebee. I wish I was talented in that way. . .

Here are the girls with the neighbor kids, all ready to head to the party. Do you see Harry Potter on the end??

Elizabeth actually won "best costume" at the party. She is wearing an old dance outfit of Kennedy's, and is an angel. I knew those dance costumes would come in handy. I have recycled them quite a bit to be used as costumes.

I couldn't believe the 'Loot" the kids came home with from the party. I don't know if I would be brave enough to plan and carry out something that grand. They had made little haunted houses out of graham crackers, had goodie bags, little cups and other little toys. . . needless to say, they had a grand time. And I have to thank my wonder ful neighbors for hosting such a fun event!!

Conference Weekend

Please excuse the quality of some of the next photos. . . I think the kids were taking some of the pictures. ..

We were lucky to have some company over conference weekend. My parents were here, as well as my nephews, Brian and Kyle. It was the first time we got to see Brian since returning from him mission to Brazil. And how lucky we were to have them here! What fun to have them around. . .

Not sure what is up with Elizabeth in all these photos. .. I guess she is feeling "gangsta" in Brian's baseball hat!

Of course, the kids loved having them around. They (my parents, brian, kyle, and bronte) were gone all day Saturday because they got tickets to go to conference. But we enjoyed them in between all their busy college lifestyle! We had to chuckle as Brian and Kyle left around 10 pm on Saturday to go visit some friends. I was ready to go to bed and they were heading out for the night! Oh to be young again!!

Come again soon!!

Elizabeth's Baptism

As most of you know from my earlier post, Elizabeth was Baptized on Friday, Oct. 1. We had to get special permission to schedule her baptism on this date and time in order to have it while Grandma and Grandpa Toolson could be here. We couldn't be happier that everything worked out. We were also blessed to be able to have Brian and Kyle there as well. . . (barely, I have to say. . . they drove down from BYU Idaho that afternoon, and just walked in as we were starting).

Kennedy, Mia, and Elizabeth sang "When I am Baptized" together as part of the program. I was wishing we had a micorphone as they were singing, because they didn't quite sing loud enough for everyone to hear. But I was still proud that they got up there and did such a nice job! Kennedy also gave a FABULOUS talk on the holy ghost. She talked about learning to recognize the signals that the Holy Ghost will give you throughout your life. After the baptism, we had the family over for some sandwiches, and of course a celebration cake! You may be wondering where all the other family photos may be?? Well right when the baptism was over, Elizabeth ran home (we live across the street from the church), changed her clothes, and climbed in bed out of exhaustion. ... she was in bed before we even got home. I was dissapointed that we didn't get any more pictures. After we got the chairs picked up in the room, I went to look for Elizabeth so we could get some family and group pictures. .. .but she was already long gone! Luckily I took just a few before the acutal baptism.

We were so greatful to have some great support show up. Besides our own family, Grandma and Grandpa Toolson, and her cousins Brian and Kyle, David's mom, Grandma Mary, was there and gave a nice talk on Baptism. David's brother, Dan and his family were there, and we owe Jennifer a huge thanks for playing the piano for us so beautifully! Eliza came with Windsor, as well as our home teachers, Elizabeth's primary teachers, several of her friends from the ward, and the Bishop. She was well supported.

Elizabeth was actually really nervous and scared as she went into the font. She started to cry and was clinging to me. But she braved the water and only had to go under once. I asked her how she felt after, and she said "good". Not many words, but I know she was happy. (and exhausted too, I guess. . . . thus the nap, and missing the whole celebration after. .. and I am still upset we didn't get any more pictures. . . sigh) We love and are so proud of you, Elizabeth!

Fall Soccer. ... 2010

September was Busy, Busy, Busy!!

We spent a lot of time at the soccer fields here in Spanish Fork. The weather was nice and warm, and the kids all really had fun this year.Elizabeth played on an all 2nd grade team. She wasn't quite as dominant as she has been in the past, but still worked hard and managed to score a couple goals this season. Her team struggled a bit more than they have in the past to get the ball in the goal, but they did end the year with a couple wins. Kennedy's team were the champions for her age division. She improved quite a bit this season, and worked really hard. David worked with her a bit on some skills and it was fun to see her actually put them to use on the field. Luke opted out of football this season (much to our surprise), and decided to go back to playing soccer for this year. He has a killer leg (incredible kick). He started out the year by colliding with a player from the opposing team and breaking the kids leg. . .. we were thinking that maybe he should have stuck with football!! But the rest of the season was uneventful (as far as injuries go) He scored several goals, and had a great time playing soccer again! Here he is with his end of the year treat from Barry's ( a local hamburger/sandwish joint).

Make an invitation

School Pictures

This year, I decided not to buy the pictures taken at the school for the pictures of the kids. Instead, I took them to a neighbor who has a studio in her basement who was running a "school picture" special. It was about half the price, and I could be right there with the kids to make sure their hair wasn't sticking up, they were smiling, etc. I picked up the photos today, and I couldn't be happier with the results! Check out these good lookin' kids!!

Luke. ... 8th grade Kennedy. ... 5th grade

Elizabeth. . . .. 2nd grade

Mia. . . .Kindergarten

over due. . . Meet Vin

OK, so this post is a couple weeks over due. . .Mom keeps saying. . ."I can't believe you haven't posted pictures of your dog!!?"

Well, I know most of you already know, but somehow my family got me to cave in to pressure, and agree to getting a dog. . . unbelievable, right? I still can't believe it myself, but here is the proof.

Meet out dog, Vin. She is a Rotweiller and quite beautiful, if you ask me. The kids were so excited! Kennedy kept saying. . " I just can't stop smiling" as we were driving home from picking her up. We have had her two weeks now. And I almost gave her back last week. . . it is a lot of work. This is why I have always said "No" all these years. She is doing well, and is very smart. . . I just want her trained NOW, Today. . . not a few weeks or months from now. But I know I must be patient. But in the mean time, I feel like I have a new born again. Getting up at night to take her out to do "her business" and then still waking up to a mess to clean up in her crate! It is trying my patience.But at the same time, she is learning. She is easy to have around. She is learning to sit, and walking her is getting easier. I keep hearing it will be worth it in the end. . .

Will it really?? I hope so.

Happy Birthday, Elizabeth!

I thought I better try and post before the day is over! Elizabeth celebrated her 8th birthday today. We had a little get together yesterday at the new park here is Spanish Fork that has some nice play equipment as well as a fun splash pad for the kids to play in. It was a beautiful fall afternoon, and still warm enough to play in the water for the kids. Today was a little low key. Elizabeth opened a couple presents this morning, we went to church, played with her sisters and our dog ( yes, we got a dog. .. post to come about that one. . . . .) and we had cake and sang to her tonight. We love having Elizabeth in our home. She is full of life and is eager to help and please. She is a hard worker and a great sister and daughter. I was helping her fill out a paper tonight for school that is called "My Me Book". I thought I would share a few things she said. . . .so you can get to know her a bit better!

• I am happiest when I am at church
• I am proud of myself because I am helpful
• I am good at soccer
• When I grow up I want to be a Shaved Ice Worker

Here are her TOP TEN FAVORITES:

• Sport: Soccer
• Hobby: Art
• Game: Battleship
• Book: Frog and Toad
• Holiday: Halloween
• Movie: Night at the Museum
• Color: Green
• Food: Lasagna
• School Subject: Music
• Ice Cream Flavor: Bubble Gum

Now you now everything you need to know about our wonderful Elizabeth!! I have to crack up when she said she wanted to be a shaved ice worker when she grows up. . . .nothing like shooting for the starts, right?! The other day we were driving in the car and Mia and Elizabeth were talking. . . .and Elizabeth said she wanted to either work at The Pizza Factory or Shaved Ice when she grows up and Mia said she wants to work at Shaved ice. . . . then they decided they can work together!! Sounds like quite the plan, huh??

Mia is off to Kindergarten!

Oh my, time passes! A few years ago I thought the day would never come when all my kids are in school. . . . but the time is here! Mia is soooo excited for school. She had a hard time waiting a WHOLE week while her siblings went off to school, but today was the big day for her! I have her in afternoon, so I just dropped her off at Noon and then she will get to walk home with Kennedy and Elizabeth after school. What a big girl!!

When she first gets to her class room, she is to move her "shell" over to show that she is here today!

Her teacher, Mrs. Bennett. I think she will be fabulous. When we went in for Mia's assesment last week, she did so great! She told her all her letters, counted, etc. Did everything for her! I wasn't sure if Mia would regress and not talk when she got to school this fall. . . . but she is doing incredible! She is still a little leary and shy, but with a little bribery. . . .she does great.

No, I didn't cry. But it is a little strange dropping her off. . . . I am glad I still have my mornings to spend with her. I will miss her saying:

"Mommy"

"yes" (i say)

"I love you"

She says that several times a day. I will miss her!!