Sunday School Lesson

Logan learned a very valuable lesson at

Sunday School this past week...

"I learned that when Jesus comes back to earth again there won't be sickness anymore,

like diabetes,

so I can drink as much Mountain Dew as I want."

Christmas lights and music

Nana Donna sings in a choir, The Sally Bytheway Chorale, and was performing at the Assembly Hall at Temple Square.  It was a weekend night and the boys and I were stuck at home without a car.  This was Nana's last performance of the season so I thought it would be a good thing to go and listen to her.  I asked if we could tag along and she, of course, was happy to have us.  Dad wasn't planning on going because he was feeling a little under the weather so I was able to drive us downtown.  We fought the thousands of people that were downtown to see the lights, listen to the choirs sing, and watch BYU basketball at the ESA.  It was crazy busy!  We got Nana dropped off and then parked the car.  We made it through the crowded Assembly Hall and found a place to sit and watch the choir sing.  The boys enjoyed listening to the Christmas music and watching the accompanying orchestra.

 Nana spotted us in the crowd and gave us a smile.

 Nana with the boys after her performance.  This tree was amazing! (if you happen to make the trek to Temple Square, this tree is right outside the Assembly Hall.  It really is beautiful!)

 Mom and her two favorite boys.

Logan, the goofball, putting a red light up to his nose like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

Deseret News Ski School

This year Dresden was old enough to take ski lessons with the Deseret News Ski School.  We thought he would enjoy it more if he had a friend to take lessons with.  We asked his friend Sophie if she would be interested and luckily, she was interested!  We signed the kids up, got them fitted for boots and skis, bought new ski pants and goggles, and awaited the big day.  Dresden was SO excited!  They had a total of three lessons, not enough to make them pros but enough to get them both excited about skiing again.  These pictures are from lesson two, the Rope Tow lesson. 

Sophie and Dresden waiting for the lesson to get started

Dresden's first run down the "slope".

Sophie's first run down the "slope".

Taking the rope tow back up the tiny hill.

Graceful exit.

 Sophie and Dresden finished with their lesson.

The kids did really great on the first trial runs down the hill.  The rope tow was a little tricky, hanging on without it pulling them into the splits, which it did a few times, pulling their gloves off, and hanging on without losing their balance.  It took them a few times to get the hang of it but once they did they were up and down the slopes doing it all over again.

The last day of ski school they were able to ride the chair lifts.  The first thing they both said when they were picked up was, "That Was Awesome!".  When Dresden was asked if it made him nervous being on the chair lift he replied that it was more relaxing than anything.  I'm so glad that they both enjoyed themselves.  I was nervous for them that they would be too cold or it would be too hard but they both are amazing kids and I'm so proud that they were both willing to try something new.  Dresden has found a new hobby that he would like to take up more aggressively but sadly my wallet doesn't support such hobbies.  However, I do think I will have to buy him a day pass or two as Christmas presents.    

Honorable Mention

Logan decided he wanted to participate in the PTA Reflections contest.  It was a really last minute effort but with the help of Nana he accomplished a really cute entry.  The theme for the year was, "Together We Can".  He is naturally artistic but this day he remembered back to a little project his dad made called "Thing in a jar" and went with that as the inspiration behind his idea and created one of his own.  Every child received a ribbon for entering Reflections.  A few received Honorable Mentions and another few won a trophy and moved on to regions.  Logan's entry received him an Honorable Mention ribbon.  When we got home he said, "I can't believe I got two ribbons!".  He was so excited and proud of himself.  He is already wanting to start his entry for next years reflections. 

Logan's inspiration "Thing in a Jar"

Logan receiving his Honorable Mention ribbon from the principal, Mr. Theobold

Logan holding up his reflections entry with his ribbons. 

(Aren't we so happy that his entry is much more charming than the "Thing in a Jar"!)

  I love how he made the octopus friends hold tentacles. 

His entry was in the 3-D category, he used molding clay to create his entry.

Mom and Logan.

Birthday

A week ago I  celebrated my 34th birthday.  Not really exciting but my little family took good care of me.  I started the weekend off by going with some ladies from the ward to Time Out for Women, a convention put on by Deseret Book.  We listened to motivational speakers talk about being the best Mother and individuals WE can be.  Every women's journey in life is individual and it was a great reminder to hear that we shouldn't compare ourselves to other Mothers or to expect too much of ourselves.  I enjoyed being with my friends and even sharing a hotel room with 5 of us turned out great.  It was really enjoyable being away from the "all boy's" life I lead to being with "all girl's" for a while.  And, a big THANK YOU to my Mother-in-law for watching my boys overnight so I could be with the girls.    

I have been feeling my hair has gotten too long so I went Friday morning to get my haircut.  I decided after a few years of all one lenghth hair I would go back to having "fringe" (bangs).  When I returned home from my haircut I walked in the house and the first thing Logan said was, "your hair makes you look 30 years younger."  Yes, I love that little boy.  He knows how to pay a compliment to make you feel good about yourself.  The boys gave me Bath & Body Works goodies and Larry got me a couple new aprons (by my request), a book, and a night out with friends. 

Now, we are anticipating the BIG birthday of the year.  Larry turns 40 this year so we are celebrating with a big birthday bash.  I've rented the Lone Peak Pavilion so we don't have to limit the number of friends we can invite.  We went back and forth between hiring a Karaoke DJ or to have a Rock Band party.  After lots of input from friends, Rock Band won the debate.  It was supposed to be the cheaper route but earlier this week the "red ring of death" showed it's ugly eye on our XBox 360 so we'll be purchasing a new Xbox for the party.  I'm calling it an early birthday present for Larry and an early Christmas present for the boys. I love parties and I'm excited to be throwing him this party.  He deserves to be celebrated!  

If you are reading my blog, consider yourself invited to Larry's Big Birthday Bash!