Chippy

Chippy is our elf.  Reese insisted that be his name.  Christmas is so fun this year.  The twins really get it!  everyday the first thing they do is look for Chippy.  Thanks to pinterest, our elf has had some fun hiding places this year:

Christmas 2011 & Stuff

Wow!  Christmas has come fast this year!  I guess it always does.  I don't normally blog with lots of writing.  I am mostly a picture kind of gal.  But I have just a couple of things I want to remember about this year, so I'm writing them down!  I've had 2 kind of "ah-ha" moments this season.  Just little moments of peace and reminders of why I do what I do.

1- Last week we had our first snow.  Bodee had been begging me all day to go out in it.  But I kept putting him off.  Finally at about 4:00 I couldn't put him off any longer.  So I bundled him in his snow outfit and sent him out back.  I kept hoping one of the other kids would join him, but they all had friends over and didn't want to go out.  After about 20 minutes, Bo came knocking at the back door asking me to go make a snowman with him.  Really?  I mean, the house was a mess, Reese and her friend had just dumped a huge box of fishy crackers down the stairs and the other kids were trampling the crumbs all over the basement.  I had been doing some sewing that day so the house was a disaster and I needed to get dinner on.  Normal, right?  Well I told him to wait while I vacuumed and then I'd go out.  I really hoped he'd forget.  But when I was done, I saw him sitting on the back porch in the freezing cold all by himself patiently waiting.  So I reluctantly threw on my boots and coat and went out to make a snowman with him.  I spent about 30 minutes working with him and listening to his sweet chatter about how fun it was to make this big, big snowman.  It was so peaceful and fun.  Just time when I could focus on only Bodee.  I loved every minute.  When we were done, he was ready to come in with me.  It was perfect.  And a good reminder of what is most important.  I'm so very glad I took those 30 minutes with him.

2- Last Sunday's choir practice was our last chance to work on and perfect the songs.  This week's practice was a full run through with solos.  As the practice began, everyone was late and no one brought their music with them.  I let them take it home to practice, but if they don't bring it back, we're kind of stuck.  About 15 minutes into the practice with people still slinking in and me trying to arrange seating so everyone can see music etc.. I started getting really frustrated!  As we started singing and I had the one bass in front me who hardly ever hits the right note.  The choir didn't sound good and I was mentally trying to figure out how I would find time that week to fix all the music issues without killing myself in the process.  I was losing it and I could feel myself getting super uptight.  When all of a sudden it was like a voice said to me "This is the perfect offering".  And I remembered that we weren't the mo-tab.  I had an overwhelming feeling of love and gratitude pour into me for all these faithful choir members who come each week and support me, even though it might not really be their "thing".   I instantly was able to focus on the practice, which went beautifully.  And then at the end had a chance to express to each of them my feelings for them.  It was a really special experience for me.

On a side note:  Our choir actually sounds awesome!  We may not be the mo-tab, but I've never heard a better ward choir!  So much talent!  The solo's are perfect.  Everything flows beautifully.  We actually have to add folding chairs to the seating we have so many people come.  Even alot of the young men and women.  So I am super proud of them.  At the same time feeling super blessed!  It will be a beautiful program.  Last night the choir gave me the most wonderful gift.  This plaque:

I love it so much!  I say that to them all the time when I'm tired of rehearsing a certain part, or feel they should have it by then.  Or if it's a background type thing and I just don't have anymore time to spend on it.  So thoughtful and cute!  (Thanks Angie Martinez!)

Little photo session!

I met a lady name Lisa Gemperline, who loved the clothes Reese wears.  (Can't say I blame her, yes I am obsessed)  And she wanted to do some photography with her.  We added in Bo, (who can resist the hair?) and here is the result!  I am in love!  She does a Fabulous job and I think (Since Ky is gone :0() I will see if I can hire her to do a full family shoot!

Cole's 7th Birthday!

This summer we had a super fun party for Cole and 2 of his good friends, Blake and Tate.  They are all born within days of each other, so we decided to share the fun (and expense) of a party and hold a great big one in our back yard!  We had a water slide and a jousting blow up, snow cones with home-made flavors and cream, and cotton candy.  And yes, Bodee was a HUGE fan of the cotton candy!  I made cute invitations (with Ky's help, of course!) and little name banners for each boy.  Cole still hangs his in his room.  Don't you think all kids just love anything with their names on them?  

First Day Of School 2011!

The boys are off to school again!  Hurray!  Always a frenzy of entourage and paparazzi in my neighborhood!  Such a fun tradition! And I just sent the twins off on their first day!  2 whole hours to myself twice a week!  Can you ask for anything better?  I can't!  Actually, I can.   I thought it was 3 hours, but I found out at the openhouse that it is only from 9-11.  Darn it!  As Bo would say, "Oh Man!!"

 I made the twins bags instead of buying backpacks.  The big ones look so funny on their little bodies and the little ones won't hold all their work.  My cute friend, Staci, embroidered their names on them for me.  Bodee was so excited about his bag.  But in the end, he wanted it to be a backpack.  So... this is how they are wearing them.  So funny.

My Own Photo Love!

Sweet Ky took time before they moved- :0( - to take some darling pics of my kids!  Here are the favs: