Snow Day!

This morning the kids woke up to this:At 3:30 AM we received a call from the transportation department announcing that school was cancelled due to the snow. We received a call from the High School at 5:00 AM, and a call from the Elementary School at 6:30 AM. We were well informed. I think we received about 2 inches of snow and the roads are clear. I just laughed. I can understand if the roads were covered because there are not any snow plows, but they are clear. The kids were excited and Doug gets to stay home too, so I'm not complaining. It is close to 10:00 AM and it's almost all melted! The kids bundled up and went outside to play anyways.




Happy Snow Day!

Desert Snow

Today was one of those rare exceptions to the desert weather. It snowed. The kids were all very excited and decided to build snowman.

Growing up in Utah I would have called this creation pathetic, but here in the desert it is a masterpiece. The girls had already changed into their jammies before I decided to take the picture, so you'll have to excuse their flip flops and bedtime attire. The kids are looking forward to building an awesome snowman in Utah next week.

Baby Shower

Last week, I gave a good friend of mine a baby shower. She is due at the beginning of January. I had a good time and was happy to be able to celebrate this upcoming addition to her family. She is having a boy. This will make 4 little boys running around her house (in addition to 2 step sons that live with their mom). She's destined to be the only girl in her family...just like my sister Marilee. As predicted, several people were unable to attend due to the busy season, but those that were able to attend enjoyed themselves. We played 3 games. Guess what's in the bag, Candy Bar memory game, and guess the lullaby song title. Here is a picture of Debbie playing a game:

(I offered to hand her the bags, but she insisted it would be easier if she were on the floor)

This next picture is a picture of Debbie's Mother-in-law and Sister-in-law playing games:

Here is a picture of some of the guests eating lots of yummy food. We had lots of finger foods. I offered Mexican 7 layer dip, deviled eggs, crackers & cheese, veggie tray, cookies, and homemade candy (divinity, toffee, peanut clusters, & peanut butter balls). The food was yummy and my family enjoyed the leftovers for a few days after the shower.

Debbie opening up some gifts:

I can't wait to see her new little one. (Probably not as anxious as she is though). I am also anxious to see my sister's new baby. She is delivering on Monday. This will make it her 5th. Doug's cousin is also having a baby soon. Everyone is excited for this delivery because of their long and difficult struggle to have a child. Babies, Babies, Babies!

Electrical Parade

Last week we were able to attend The Electrical Parade here in town. It's fairly new here and there were only about 25 floats, but the kids still had a good time. Five of Doug's students played Christmas songs on one of the floats, so we decided to check them out. They did a great job. The parade only lasted about 10 minutes. The kids had the most fun playing in the leaves at the Duck Pond.

Student of the Month

For the month of November, both Jordan and Lexi received Student of the Month. They were both extremely excited. Each teacher chooses one student per month to receive this award. The school holds an assembly where the principal reads an article written by their teacher on why they received this award. They receive a ribbon, certificate, and passes to Skate Zone.

This is both Jordan and Lexi's first time receiving this award. Kaylee has received this award every year so far, so luckily she wasn't sad about both her brother and sister getting it and not her. She is hoping to get it sometime this school year.

Mr. Wombaker (principal) awarding the certificate to Lexi

Mrs. Englund (Kindergarten Teacher) and Lexi.

Jordan with Mr. Wombaker.

Jordan with his 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Weir.


Way to go kids!

Snowball Fight!

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The Elephant Song

My Kids have been begging me to put this video/song by Eric Herman on the blog. It is a really cute song. Take a look:

Tis the Season

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving holiday. My parents came for the holiday and we had a very pleasant visit. Thanksgiving dinner was definitely easier to make this year with my Mom making half of it. I was sad to see them go, but look forward to our visit in a few weeks. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures this holiday.

I am happy to announce that we are completely done with our Christmas shopping for our children. Not only are we done shopping for them, but we have all of the presents wrapped too! Woo hoo! We do have a few more presents to buy for a sibling drawing, but it feels good to be mostly done. Now that all of the commercial stuff is out of the way, I am looking forward to:

• Focusing on the true meaning of Christmas. I hope that everyone can take the time to read about Christ this month and truly remember what a great majestic being He is.
• Listening to Christmas music. I love Christmas Music. It always sets a wonderful tone wherever it is played.
• Looking at Christmas lights. I love driving around looking at the lights. We will be putting ours up soon.
• The smell of Christmas. I love the aroma of Christmas. The Cinnamon, berries, chocolate, mint....all of it.
• Family. About 6 years ago, I used to think that Christmas was just so hectic trying to visit all of the family and getting home late...not even having time for our own family. Wisdom with age and moving to a desert away from family has made me realize how much I actually loved those days and I miss them dearly. I'm so excited to spend Christmas with all of our family this year. I have come to truly love family and enjoy spending time with ALL of my family.
• Chocolate. I can't help it....I love chocolate!

I encourage all of you to take time to think about Christmas and what you enjoy before it passes us all by. Tis the Season!