Sunday, February 28, 2010

Yes, I cried at the Middle School Talent Show

OK, my inappropriate tears are getting out of hand. Yes, I was sobbing at Bekah's middle school talent show, and no it wasn't because of the 7 minute Micheal Jackson song droning on and on. It was because of these kids. They are pretty awesome. For one of the acts the schools special -ed group did a dance and the proud smiles shining from these kids started the tear factory, then I started thinking about their valiant spirits, and the tears flowed. As each new act came out the support from the audience (a full house) grew stronger this is what threw me over the edge into a blubbering idiot. As each nervous performer came out their voices where shaky, there dance moves a little unsure, but the middle school crowd whooped and hollered and cheered them on giving them confidence and the songs became steadier and the dances more sure. I was so proud of all those kids. The ones willing to step out on the stage in front of their 'critical' peers and the ones encouraging them to keep going and do their best. It was a moment. It was moment that reiterated to me how each of these testy, ornery, back-talkie, show-offie, texting like mad little kids are a child of God, and quickly turning into some pretty incredible young adults! It also became very clear why some people go on American Idol and are very shocked when they are told they can't sing...

No doubt Bekah and her friend Emily had the most 'unique' talent. There was nothing else like it in the show. Hula Hooping while juggling, and Pogo-sticking while jump roping. I'm glad they did something a little outside the box!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Yesterday my home teachers (people from church - for those of you not from church) came to visit. And since one of my home teachers couldn't make it the missionary's came with my home teacher (because they can't come alone - since Craig wasn't home.) Those of you not from church I am sure are totally lost.... Anyway, the point of the story. I had 3 men from church visiting me and I made the kids come sit in the living room with me for the 20 minutes they were there because they are bringing a 'spiritual, uplifting message' for the family. I was never so embarrassed. I mean flashing, tantrums, marshmallow fights, parachuting off the couch, crying, whining, and general naughtiness. So I'm telling Craig about it that night and he says, 'why didn't you just send them to their rooms?' Why didn't I think of that? Seriously.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Thanks to the 150 year old neighbor man!

Well, we have had snow, we have had snow days, and then we have had more snow and snow days. Needless to say I wasn't keeping up with the driveway, and neither was Craig (because he is only home between the hours of 10pm and 5:30am) I just threw the truck into 4 wheel drive and turned the snow into ice, Craig just parked at the bottom of the driveway. Our fabulous 150 year old neighbor took pity on us (probably after watching the scene below) and brought over his snow blower...THANK YOU MR. MIKE! Oh, by the way time elasped from going out, to taking pictures, to giving up - 7 minutes... getting dressed however, was a 45 minute process.

Sweet Bekah was there to help Lexsie up and brush her off! And of course she is very entertaining - we are working on the shoveling skills though...

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Father - Daughter Dance


Anna has a very sophisticated sense of style (despite my best efforts).
Of course you can't go to any formal dance (or anywhere else) without the leopard coat!





You've got a friend in me.

These two.. when Quinn gets put in time out Lexsie sits beside him, when Quinn cries Lexsie cries. When Quinn accidentally spills his water on his goldfish, Lexsie dumps her water on her goldfish - so they can both have soggy gold fish. When Quinn coughs, Lexsie coughs so the people sitting next to us at the Mexican restaurant can accuse us of exposing them to N1H1 or H1N1 (whatever!)

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

I love it! Quinn got to start karate. He was so excited to do what the big kids get to do! (and I was so excited because the 4th kid is freeeeeeee - so now I feel like I am getting my monies worth). Anyway, the enthusiasm was there - now we just need to work on the coordination! P.S. I was laughing so hard I had to step out for a few minutes!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010


Uhhh, how dirty does your floor have to be before the 10 second rule doesn't count?

And how is it possible that I sweep 3-4 times a day and it still looks this bad?