O, Holy Night

"O, Holy Night" has been my favorite Christmas song for as long as I can remember. I love the music of the season...within reason. For those familiar with the radio stations in Utah, FM 100.3 has been a long standing tradition for Christmas music. As a kid, they would throw a holiday tune into the play list periodically between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Then, 4 days before "the big one" they would launch the "100 Hours of Christmas" - nothing but Christmas music and minimal mention of sponsors.


Then it all changed. A competition station came to town and over the years two stations subjected us to their continuous contest to one-up each other. It was just a couple years ago that the Christmas music debut was on Halloween. Yes, pre-trick-or-treating. Now that non-stop yuletide tunes were dominating these two stations for two full months, they had no choice but to infuse their broadcasts with commercials. Can't really blame them; they have businesses to run, and subsequently fund.

You can only guess my delight when Gail found that our satellite TV service had a couple holiday music stations - NO COMMERCIALS! Last week the kids were at their aunt's house for the evening, so we took the opportunity to get the gift wrapping out of the way. The sound track: commercial-free satellite radio. It was an hour or so into the task when I realized we had not yet heard any song which spoke of the real reason we celebrate Christmas. Sure, there was plenty of Frosty, Santa, dreaming of white Christmases and crazy people who find it necessary to roast chestnuts on an open fire. I've never questioned these songs which sing of traditional holiday pastimes, but for some reason this year I have been keenly aware of the absence of Christ in this season. Needless to say, we turned off the satellite and popped in The Forgotten Carols, by Michael McLean. The feeling was amazingly different.

This experience has given me a new appreciation for the local stations. Though littered with Christ-less songs and commercials, they do play a significant amount of songs which celebrate the first coming of our Savior. May we all evaluate our traditions and our focus at this time of year to make sure we are centered correctly. If we are, great. If we aren't, fix it. Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ is the reason we have this holiday season. Our society may have evolved it into so much more than that miraculous event, but we can choose to keep Him front and center as we bustle about in our winter wonderland. O, Holy Night...'tis the night of our dear Savior's birth!

Ox in the Mire?

"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." Number four of the "Big Ten" is one of those commandments with exceptions. Sometimes an emergency presents itself and we must rescue our ox from the proverbial mire. Such is the case for emergency medical personnel, fire fighters and law enforcement. When there's an emergent need on Sunday, it's nice to know that help is on its way and won't be postponed until Monday.

I was in the church's hallway between Sacrament Meeting and Sunday School when a neighbor found me and informed me that two police officers were at my house. They had received a call due to a tripped alarm. I quickly found Gail, handed off Moriah and headed home to meet the officers. Yeah...that was a fun drive home! They informed me there was an alarm at the house and they had confirmed there were no human tracks in the fresh layer of snow around the front yard and as much of the side yard they could see from the west gate.

As I opened the garage door, all I could think is that maybe Sunny (the cat) knocked something over. When we installed the alarm system, they assured us that pets less than 20 pounds wouldn't affect the motion sensors. One of the officers instructed me to wait outside while he announced himself and checked out the house...then he drew his pistol and opened my door. I have to admit I was a little jealous. I've always wanted to do that and here he was stealing my thunder.

After confirming there were no thugs on the premises, the officer called me in to check things out. The place looked like it had been ransacked...but that was just because we have four kids. Though everything was out of place, it was all right where we left it. When I looked downstairs to verify that the mess was all ours, I came face to face with the culprit. A large, free-floating mylar balloon that we brought home from Aaron's birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese's had drifted into the corner in front of the motion sensor.

Are you still protected under the Ox in the Mire clause if the ox ends up being a random piece of harmless junk?

Merry Christmas & Happy Blog Catch-Up Day!

The Holidays are here!

I've been out of the blog-scene for awhile.

Time to catch up. Here's our nice picture, all dressed up and fancy. We are so excited for Christmas and all the FUN activities this Holiday brings. The other night we started a tradition Mike remembers from his childhood. We made a special calendar of the month December, write down all the fun things we want to do, decide which days to plan them and then decorate the borders of the calendar with Holiday pictures. I love watching my kids grow and I cherish each Holiday as we carry on important traditions and start some of our own.

MY Dolly!

Rebekah holds Moriah.

I can't help but think that Rebekah must see Moriah as the coolest, most live doll she's ever seen. Rebekah who loves baby dolls now has a doll that cries, eats, sleeps, poops - for real!

She probably wonders why she's constantly reminded to be careful, soft, and quiet when we never said a thing before as she would scream her head off around HER dolls, hold them by the leg, or drop them down the stairs.

Bring Out The Food!

The kids drum on their plates as they wait for the Thanksgiving Feast to be served.

Mike and I decided long ago that for Thanksgiving we would spend odd years with my family and even years with his. This being an odd year it was my turn. It's been kind of crazy Autumn so I wanted an EASY Thanksgiving, low stress/low preparation. So I ran an idea by my Mom and she liked it. Let's just order Marie Callendar's Thanksgiving and split the cost. Which would have been sooo easy if our microwave didn't break down while warming the last of the side dishes. It was pretty rotten timing, the turkey and corn bread were ready to come out of the oven, people were starting to sit down at the table. Oh brother! It was still pretty easy though - we just threw the remaining dishes in pots and warmed them up on the stove top - you know the old fashioned way. After a delicious meal that the kids hardly touched we relaxed, played games and laughed our heads off as we watched "Up." I love those dogs!!

And yes because the kids didn't eat dinner I ended up making them PB&J later on when their little tummies started to rumble.

A Halloween Recap

Emma is a Native American princess, Aaron is pretty obvious - he's Spiderman, and Rebekah is a Fairy-Ballerina-Princess - it changes all the time. I would have preferred she wear the much warmer Cookiemonster costume but she wanted to be "pretty."

Halloween seemed to come & go without much involvement from me. Which made me rather sad, I love Halloween - especially with children who get sooo excited. I spent the day at the Hospital, feeding and holding Moriah. I was determined to leave that nursery with my baby. The nurses and I were convinced that she was ready to come home. The doctor wanted to keep her for possibly another day because she had lost another 3 ounces. The nurse joked with the doctor that she was much too fat to be in the nursery and that it was time for her to leave. Thankfully as the day progressed she did very well and that afternoon I found myself driving home...WITH my baby this time!

Michael was so great! He had taken care of everything Halloween related and everything not. He made sure the kids cleaned their rooms and the house before I got home. When I walked through the door though I have to say it was a memory I'll never forget. Here I am bringing our baby home to meet her very excited sisters and brother and the sight before me as I open the front door is Bekah laying on the floor getting a diaper change. Oh well, can't say I'm not used to that scene - this is our life right now. But after Christmas Bekah's getting potty trained.

I can't wait.

Moriah Paige

Moriah Paige joined our little family last Tuesday. She weighed in at 8 pounds 14 ounces and 20 inches long. That makes her the runt of the litter; her siblings all broke the 9-pound mark.

(Momma and baby...both looking fabulous!)

Moriah's birthday hadn't even closed before she had a scare with a mild pneumonia. Long story short...it wasn't pneumonia. It was just excess fluid which didn't squeeze out of her lungs during delivery. It took multiple tubes and wires and poking and an extended hospital stay to figure it out, but better safe than sorry. The IV didn't work so well in the hand, so she got a tube in her head and medical tape instead of a bow.

(When speaking of the tubes and wires, this picture doesn't do it justice, but she's sooo cute!)

The kids were starting to believe we made up their baby sister. For nearly nine months we told them of this mysterious Moriah. Then Mommy goes to the hospital to get that baby sister out. Finally, Mommy comes home with no baby and spends the next two days driving across town three to four times a day. Still no Moriah. Just as they were starting to lose hope in her coming, Mommy walked through the door carrying the evidence supporting our story. They were all so anxious to get a chance to hold the baby who was "talked up" so much.

(Emma and Moriah)

(Aaron and Moriah)

(Rebekah and Moriah)

Daddy even gets his turn...it's just usually messier.

Are you wondering what those black patches are doing on her temples? They're velcro to hold on her very stylish sunglasses. Being on IV fluids for the first two days of her life bought a weekend vacation on a baby tanning bed.

We love having Moriah at home at last. Thank you to everyone who kept us in your thoughts and prayers. Bedtime now!

Who raised this kid anyway?

This morning I was procrastinating that whole "go to work" thing. Emma and Aaron were both at school, so naturally I had to focus my gentle teasing on Rebekah. After having enough, she declared, "You're supposed to go to work."

Bear Lake Part Two

"Hey Mom, no more pictures! We're trying to build a sand castle here."

Emma looks a little cold.

Bear Lake wears me out!

Daddy buried the girls.

Aaron didn't want to get buried - I can't say I blame him,

I'd much rather be standing on the sand than under it too.

Are We Really Here?!

After 2 Saturdays in a row of cancelled plans because of rain

the kids finally find themselves on Bear Lake's beautiful beach!

They had a blast. For now this one pic will have to do, the kids have found me and are practically beating down the door.

More pics to follow next time I get a chance.

It was a super fun day!

Plan B

When you get rained out combined with one of your children puking all night

it's time for PLAN B.

We were supposed to be in Bear Lake, but the bad weather

& Emma's 24 hour bug kept us closer to home.

I suggested that Mike take Aaron out for a Daddy/Son day.

Aaron then suggested that Rebekah come along so he could "teach"

how to play miniature golf. He's such a sweet brother.

Once I was sure Emma was on the mend I took her to the library and then shoe shopping for some much needed foot wear replacements. Holy cow, kids are hard on shoes.

Cute Cousins

The cousins gather for a picture at one of the latest family dinners.

We're missing a little two year old who didn't feel like posing.

And two other cousins who weren't able to make this dinner.

But all in all, not a bad lookin' bunch!

Grammy Lois's 90th Birthday Bash

My Grandma celebrates her 90th Birthday this month.

There were many fun activities to mark this special occassion.

As a family we went to dinner at Cowboy Grub, (a favorite restaurant of my Grandma's).

And the next day we had a fun little luncheon at my Dad & Step-Mother's house.

Then we ended that day with a pizza party at Evergreen Park.

There were two more days of activities scheduled but we weren't able to make it all.

We always joke that Grandma will live to see 100, she doesn't want that.

She says somewhere inbetween will be just fine.

She's an amazing women and I hope to be as fit and active as her when I'm 90.

It was sooooo good to visit with the family we don't get to see very often

because of the distance that separates us.

I want to tell all my family how much I love them and appreciate their concern for our family.

And Grandma, I wish you a very special tribute -

You have lived a long, wonderful life.

You have been a friend and a support to me ALL my life and I love you very much for that.

Okay before I get too mushy, I'll just say this

Grandma you are awesome!

Love, Mike & Gail's Family

School Days

Look Out 1st Grade Here She Comes!

Emma started school this week. She is so excited, as am I.

All day! The house seems so quiet with her gone like this.

She's loves her teacher, recess and having lunch at school.

And I love having one less person to cook for at lunch time - my least favorite meal to prepare.

She's growing up so fast!

Aaron will be starting preschool again in a few weeks and he is very excited too.

Everyday he asks me if it's time to go yet. Soon honey, soon.

Patience is sometimes difficult at our house.

Bekah is doing well, she's spends most her days inside playing with us until it cools off.

We try to go out in the early morning or the evening, Utah is pretty hot right now, which makes life a little more uncomfortable for us preg-os.

Speaking of pregnant, Moriah kicks so much I'm sure she's trying to find a way out.

She'll need to learn some patience too, we've still got the last trimester to make it through.

I'm not feeling great right now, a stomach bug that won't go away, but Mike helps me a great deal, and for that I'm forever grateful.

Sunny is enjoying this Summer as well, being an indoor cat for at least a few more weeks - until we get her fixed...we don't need a pregnant kitten on our hands.

She's an adorable kitten and loved by everyone in our house.

Glitter Glam Gone Wrong!

Oh No!

Bekah, Bekah, Bekah.

The other day the kids wanted to use some of the money they've earned to buy a new toy.

Emma chose a new makeup set, Bekah found it.

She made herself up and then passed out on the floor.

While I made dinner, Michael spent a good half and hour trying to

scrub off all the glittery-gluey mess.

Yikes!

Family Time at Bear Lake

The day started out overcast, but we wished really hard for sun

& it wasn't long until we got lots of it!

Here the kids designed there own swimming pool.

Bear Lake can really wear you out!

Emma was "fake sleeping," it wasn't until the drive back to Logan

that she really conked out.

But Bekah and Aaron are out cold!

After a day on the Bear Lake Beach it's time to refuel.

Here's our fam goofing off at our tradtional stop in Garden City,

Merlin's. They have great food and even better raspberry shakes.

No trip of ours is complete without a dip in the hotel pool.

And usually no matter what we've done or seen, they like the pool the best.

Thanks to Aunt Coco and all the free/private swimming lessons the kids are all superb little swimmers. Even Bekah can float on her back for a short time without her life jacket.

Now that is a sight to see believe me!

All good things must come to an end.

Gail's family in front of our hotel in Peaceful& Beautiful Logan.

There are so few pictures of us all together.

We couldn't resist the photo opp here to snap an updated family portrait or two.

Tons of fun!

Stuff I Learned From Scout Camp

Spending four days in the mountains with eight 14/15-year-olds can be quite the learning experience.

~ It is possible to have rain, sleet, snow, hail and clear skies all before dinner.

~ Bags of charcoal briquettes do not like to get wet.

~ 14-year-old boys do not like to get wet.

~ Rain ponchos do not like camp stoves.

~ Waterproofing is worth its weight in gold.

~ Some 14-year-old boys do not pack rain ponchos, even when it's on the equipment list.

~ It is possible to get steam burns on your toes when drying your boots by the fire.

~ Canvas tents are much heavier when wet.

~ Tarps leak.

~ Sleeping right next to a rushing stream while your tent is rained on puts an unexplained strain on your bladder.

~ Port-a-potties are difficult to navigate while wearing a rain poncho.

~ Eight teenagers can fit in a four-man tent if it means they get to play "Go Fish".

~ Apparently "Go Fish" is played with small red, white and blue plastic disks.

~ Teenagers should not consume energy drinks on long drives.

~ iPod Withdrawl and Cell Phone Withdrawal are serious conditions.

~ Ankle injuries miraculously heal when in close proximity to female staff members.

~ All the fire restrictions in recent years have bred a generation of scouts who can't build a fire to save their lives.

~ If the mayonnaise comes out of the packet yellow, it's a good idea to throw away the bread and start over.

~ Teenagers have an aversion to drinking plain, old water.

~ Sweaty activities should be avoided before and after a flour war.

~ Mountain bikes should never be ridden in the mountains.

~ I'm getting old.

Family Reunions are Fun

Rebekah is growing up so fast.

Here she is posing a cheesey grin on a rock

at the Ogden Nature Preserve.

She's got an adorable personality & she knows it!

Aaron & I went on a walk together.

When he found these pokey looking weeds,

He told me they were called, "Sleeping Porcupines."

His way of seeing the world is so innocent

& sometimes so hilarious, he cracks me up!

Grape Soda anyone?

Emma didn't really want to pose for a picture.

But I managed to snap a couple, this one is so cute.

Sunny!

We have a new kitty!

Her name is Sunny and she is very sweet.

She is about 11 weeks old now, brown & orange

stripes with 3 brown paws and 1 orange paw.

She's too little to send outdoors right now, (she was an indoor kitten).

But we take her outside every day so she'll get used to the backyard.

The kids adore her! And want to hold her all the time.

Mom had to explain that cats like to sleep a lot,

so it's important she get her rest.

One of her favorite hiding/sleeping spots is in my big plant.

Go figure. Good thing that plant is a hearty one, it takes a lot of abuse.

It's a Girl!

It's official. We are having a baby girl! When we told the kids, the girls were thrilled of course, but Aaron started crying. He was really hoping for a brother. I guess he'll have to settle for having his Daddy all to himself. I called one of my friends and told her to prepare to share her son - Aaron's best friend, since we'll be inviting him over a lot more often so Aaron has a little man to relate to. Mike is concerned about the two of them drowning in estrogen, oh brother, but thrilled all the same. In fact he picked out her name awhile ago. She will be Moriah (middle name yet to be decided). I am so excited!! She looks beautiful, she's healthy and I can't wait to hold her in my arms!! November never seemed so far away!

Tolerable Twos

Rebekah is my most content child, hands down. Yes, she does throw the occasional temper tantrum unless any of you were wondering, but not very often and they are very short lived. She's very easy going, and after the emotional roller coaster we sometimes ride with Emma and all the bumps and bruises Aaron seems to drawn to like a magnet we needed a little break. But just because she's a tolerable two year old doesn't mean we have it any easier when it comes to messes. If you know me well, then you know I HATE messes. I've learned to live in them because I REFUSE to clean ALL day, but I still HATE them. Let's see, what are some the weirder ones I've cleaned up lately? Here's a list:

• Yogurt smeared on the sliding glass door.


• Popsicle juice on the sliding glass door.


• Grated cheese all over the recliner and the carpet.


• Plant soil all over the floor.


• Here's a common one for most kids; Art work on the walls & doors.

Art work on the lamp shade - That one was Aaron. And it wasn't really "art work" it was the word "Emma" and when he got in trouble for it he said, "Dad, I have something to say, that was a really long time ago." I guess we should check our lamp shades more often, apparently they look like a blank canvas screaming, "Draw on me!" Yikes.

And the ever popular, Toys, Toys, and yes more Toys everywhere. In our bed, under our bed, in our shoes, in the bathtub, in the kitchen, in the front yard, in the van...Needless to say Mike and I are going to be going through the toys and de-junking very soon.

A Tribute to Fathers

Hooray for Fathers who let the kids blow out their birthday candles, play tickle monster, horsey ride, and give piggy backs. Hooray for Fathers who agree to interesting child negotiations and listen to endless and exaggerated stories that sometimes bear little truth. Hooray for Fathers who take their boy and their girls to the hardware store. Hooray for Fathers who understand their children even when no one else can decipher what they're saying. Hooray for Fathers who take good care of Mommy, (especially when she's sick). And Hip, hip hooray for Fathers who prefer to be called Daddy. Mike, thanks for being such a good Daddy! What would we do without you? We love you Sooooooo much and hope you have a very Happy Father's Day!!

With the recent passing of a dear friend and sister-in-law's father my thoughts are certainly on fathers this weekend. My heart goes out to her as she suffers this loss so close to the day we celebrate Dads. I wanted to take this time to thank my fathers for all they've done for me. Fathers play such an important role in our lives.

To my Dad, thanks for the lessons you taught me. Thanks for supporting my dreams, and encouraging me in everything I do! And thanks for reading my blog, when I found out you do it really made me smile. I love you, and I don't say that enough.

To my Father in law, (Mom, I know you're reading this, but Dad might miss it unless you pull him over for this part). I love you and want you to know how grateful I am for your guidance and concern. I admire you and I don't say that enough, mostly because I don't like to get mushy...but sometimes you just gotta tell people you love 'em, right? Also, what would I do without my montly dose of jokes?!

Hooray for Father's indeed. This Sunday I hope we'll all tell Dad how much we love him, set him down in the reclincer and let him have sole possession of the remote control, (for one day at least).

Sick!

I've been really sick, and I'm not posting any pictures with this entry for that reason. I caught a cold from Bekah, but mine developed into a pneumonia. Of course when I saw the doc, we couldn't confirm my suspicions - pregnant women need to avoid the x-ray machine. But, I've had pneumonia before, I know what it feels like and it kicks your butt!

I was so completely out of it this week, I don't know how we managed. Mike couldn't leave work, he had too much to do getting everything ready to pass off to the person who will absorb his responsibilities when he moves on. So, I had to fend for myself and the house is a bit of a disaster to show for it. I was able to feed my kids, make sure they didn't run away while I was resting and they watched a good deal more TV than normal, we'll blame that on all the rain as well as Mom's illness. But I'm finally feeling better even though I still cough roughly a thousand times a day. Three words...Being sick Bites!

Fish Heaven

As many of you know we've been busy working in the backyard. I'm happy to say we now have grass!! But it didn't come without a few sacrifices, such as; sore muscles and backs, a constantly dirty kitchen floor from all the dirt and dust being tracked in, and sad to say one casualty.

Our female beta, Cheesey didn't make it. During one of the days I was spending a lot of time in the backyard, I sent the kids in the watch a movie so they could get a break from the sun, but I continued my work outside. Well, the movie didn't hold their interest very long, and when I came in I had quite a little mess on my hands. The fish tank had been opened and the little rocks, along with a good deal of water was all over my kitchen counter, oh as well as a helpless fish gulping for breath. That was our male, Jack. He pulled through, but apparently Cheesey who was spent a bit more time outside the tank wasn't as lucky.

I explained to the kids what happened, we took her to the toilet and lovingly sent her to Fish Heaven.

Quotable Kids

Aaron is 4. That means he says something everyday, (usually several times a day) that amaze me or make me laugh out loud! Here's a list of the latest ones I've managed to write down:

When deciding which of the 3 parks within walking distance of our house Aaron said, "Mom I don't want to go to that park, it's quite boring."

After he found some bugs and was attempting to feed them he said, "Rolly Pollies (Potato Bugs) eat apples, potatoes, and tortillas."

"Mom, I need the measuring-tape cup."

"I have tummy-stakes." Meaning tummy aches.

His cuteness never ceases to bring a smile to my face.

A Hair Cut at 3AM!!

This was not the time of our choosing, but Emma went to bed with gum in her mouth. (I'm blaming Michael because he put the kids to bed that night, I turned in early.) Well she woke us up crying because the gum had smeared all over her arm and in her hair...great! In fact her long, beautiful hair was stuck to her arm, poor girl. Well, after Mike tried a wet paper towel, he asked me for advice. At 3am I wasn't feeling incredibly resourceful, but I suggested baby wipes - they can clean up anything.* Well, after about 4 or 5 baby wipes the gum was softened up and coming off, but we still had to deal with the hair. I said, "Just cut off the affected area and we'll deal with the rest in the morning." Then I rolled over and tried to get back to sleep.


The next day was Sunday, we discovered that many people were fighting illnesses in our ward so Mike stayed home with the kids, but I had a lesson to teach so I went. When I came home Emma surprised me with a huge smile on her face and a new short do. Emma and I had a goal to grow her hair out long enough to donate to Locks of Love, but now she'll need to start over. That's how it goes sometimes, fortunately Emma is loving her short hair and I don't have to deal with long hair snarls - for awhile anyway.

Daddy did Emma's hair! Now Mike is really good at cutting men's hair, but I was a little cautious about him taking on Emma's mane. I figured if he made a mess of it we could always get it fixed. But surprisingly he did a really good job. (Pics are coming, I'm actually not posting this at home, I'm at Mike's mom's house.)

*I have discovered baby wipes are not only good for baby's bottom, but crayon on the folding chairs at church, crayon/ink on the wall, grease spots on table cloths, and now gum off a little girls arm.

Sticky Situation

I must be crazy! I took the kids to the school carnival by myself the other night. Mike was at the final dress rehearsal for the Temple Celebration, (he serves as the YM's 1st Counselor, which means he doubles as a cab driver for the youth, ha, ha).

I let my kids have pizza and soda for dinner. No big deal there, except Bekah spilled most of her fruit punch down her front. And then I let them have cotton candy. Oh what a mess. That stuff should be outlawed! And what they didn't eat I devoured until I realized, "Hey I'm going to give myself gestational diabetes if I don't quit eating all this sugar."

Bekah needed a good hose-down when we got home. And the others were pretty dirty too. But they had fun, that's the point right. Boy I really hate messes. I won't be sad when the messy stage of life ebbs a little.

Finally a Backyard...Well Almost!

We built our house 6 years ago...6 years!! And we are now finally completing our backyard. Granted, in that time we have had 3.5 children, finished our basement, as well as many other little projects that can soon take over your life.

How excited am I? And how ironic is this little situation. Well, I'll explain - I'm so ecstatic (is there a word more descriptive I can use here) that I will finally have a place to put the kids where I don't have to be outside all the time supervising.

Our fence will be finished tomorrow, we have window well covers already in place and top soil and sod are coming this week, yip-ee! And now that I have all this stuff to keep the kids safe, I also have older children (who most of the time mind better than a few years ago) and a toddler (Bekah) who hardly ever runs away from me, (so unlike big brother and big sister).

When Emma and Aaron were younger they took off running down the street every time we went outside to play. Well, I'm still relieved to have a backyard, (no matter it's shortage in space). The kids have been semi-helpful. Here they are riding on Mike's little invention - The Leveler. They had a good time, when we weren't forcing them to pick up rocks. Wow! If I had to put a percentage on it, I'd say our backyard is 42% rocks - yuck. Thank goodness for nice, screened topsoil.

Have I Told You Lately...

Grandma Barker, this one's for you.

I know this is a week and a half late for your 66th wedding anniversary, but when I found this song I just had to blog. I am so grateful for the knowledge of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It is comforting to know that 66 is just a drop in the bucket compared to how many anniversaries you and Grandpa will get to celebrate together. I know that marriage in the temple of our God is sealed for eternity and I am sure that Grandpa is still singing your song. It's #93 in the playlist below.

I love you, Grandma. Happy anniversary!

DIVA

Emma belts out Phantom of the Opera in her aunt's car.

Our Little Diva!

Her other favorite tunes include anything sung by a Disney princess, songs from the Twilight soundtrack, the hilarious Veggie Tale hits and songs from the Signing Time DVDs.

Sometimes in the car I sing goofy songs with the kids. The other day I was singing a song called Gray Squirrel, but I was singing it in an opera voice...oh how I know you'd all love to hear that. It was cracking the kids up, I've never heard them laugh so hard. I wasn't that bad, really.

T-Ball Troubles RE-Visited

And it's a home run, well, not really a home run, mostly we're just happy when they actually make it to first base. Go Aaron!

Waiting for a hit...that I'm not going to run after by the way! Nope, not going to do it!

Remember how I talked about Aaron's non-interest in T-Ball. Well, there was one part he liked...The Snacks at the end.

Fun Stuff For Kids

Where's the fire?!

Aaron hangs out in a fire engine for his preschool field trip.

"Paper or Plastic?"

Hopefully she aspires to more in life...ha, ha, ha.

We do our big house clean up on Saturdays. This last Saturday, Emma's friend was over and they were telling us how they wanted to be maids.

As long as they're happy!

"Does this thing take diesel or unleaded?"

I wonder what gas will cost when Aaron starts driving?

The girls at Wheeler Farm.

My little Beauties.

Stick 'em up!

Won't Daddy be proud.

Bekah swimming with Coco at her condo pool.

The perks of having a sister with a pool definitely comes in handy in the summer time.

Can We Get Some Tissues Over Here!

Apparently Barbara Walters isn't the only one who can get the people she interviews to cry.

Emma plays TV reporter while Bekah crys over a boo-boo.

Let's Go Out With a Bang!

Aaron's graduated from his 1st year of preschool & Emma's first year of school is coming to an end- Just 2 weeks left until kindergarten becomes only a happy memory.
To commemorate said events we have had several family outings. One of which was a trip downtown (on Trax even) to visit the Children's Museum. This was on a Tuesday late-afternoon, we pretty much had the place to ourselves, which I loved. And the kids love riding Trax anytime we decide to do that.

Here they are holding up their tickets. They stayed in their seats (for the most), Bekah was actually the one I couldn't convince to stay seated. When she wasn't flirting or playing peek-a-boo with the people sitting behind her, she was switching seats. It reminds me of my trip with Emma to NYC where she couldn't sit still on the subway until the bumpy thing landed her on her butt one time. Then she believed Mommy...ouch.