New Year's Eve

I worked this morning and then took Aislinn, Greyson and Kerstyn to Kohl's for shoes for Aislinn.

Each Christmas, Nana sends us money and I always buy the children tennis shoes. Well, I got everyone shoes that they were happy with, but Aislinn was holding out for 'light up shoes'. She was really firm in her belief that I could find her some that were suitable. I was quite worried because I went to 5 different stores in Tallahassee and could not find her 'light up' shoes in her size. I was trying to convince her that she might want to consider some other shoes, but she was holding out.

We we arrived at Kohl's we went straight to the she department and to my surprise, we found Aislinn the perfect 'light up' shoes in her size. She is tickled!

I also did some quick shopping for Chris. He didn't have any presents under the tree because he really needs some suits and we are going to go shopping for them, but I found some really great deals. I got him 2 Chaps ties that were marked down to $6.oo a piece. I got him 2 pairs of Haggar dress pants that were buy one get one free AND I got him 2 button down shirts that were 80% off and marked down to 9 and 10 dollars a piece. What a deal!

I think that overall, Kohl's was a score!

This evening, we went to a quick dinner at Chili's and then to the Garrett's house to play games, eat and laugh. The Claytons, The Higleys and Mary Gronlund were there. I had a really good time and I was very proud of myself that I stayed up past midnight! Now, I'm not feeling so old... Whew! 'cause I was really getting worried.

Here are 2 shots that Chris got with his phone while we were playing a game. They weren't being very co-operative...

Debbie and Lew. One posing, one not. Of course...

Temple Field Trip

A beautiful day to go to a beautiful place.

Science Center and IMAX

Kenney, Chris and I took the kids to the Mary Brogan Science Center this afternoon and then to an IMAX movie. We all had a really good time.

Aislinn

Chris working the pull thing.

Brennan pedaling to create power.

Greyson was a happy boy because he is really into dinosaurs right now and they had a dinosaur exhibit.

Fun for all!

We headed home tonight and got here around 10. We had a really good time and it is always bittersweet to leave. Now, back to reality...

Chick-Fil-A tradition

We got up this morning and went to Chick-Fil-A to see Nana and some of her siblings. It was really nice. (Except for the part of Aislinn losing her one day old Leapster 2 because she left it there and when we went back, someone had taken it. But, I'm over it, you can tell...) The kids even slept in until 8 which was great since Dad (Ryck), Chris and I didn't get home until about one this morning from going to see Sherlock Holmes last night.

Following our breakfast, the boys went off to do what boys do and the girls went off to do what girls do. I'm not sure what the boys did, but the girls went SHOPPING!

Kerstyn had money from Grandma Kenney and Grandpa to spend and she wanted to go to Justice. I'll just say that we did some major shopping there. After that, we went quickly to Target to get Aislinn a new Leapster 2, I sure hope she doesn't lose this one!

Then, home. To leave all the kids and Kenney and I went shopping. To Governor's Square Mall to Talbots and Banana Republic. We both left happy. Very happy!

Merry Christmas!

Everyone was so excited! Yet, they were kind enough to let me stay in bed until 7. They asked last night when they could wake me up, and that is what I said. I consider that one of MY Christmas presents!

I'm so glad that Mom came over so that she could feel the magic of Christmas morning again.
After all the presents were opened, which didn't take long, we played and played, and played.

and played some more!
Mom and me

Aislinn in one of her new outfits.

Greyson working on his new castle.

Kerstyn and Chris trying out Kerstyn's new game, Scrabble.

About noon, we headed to Tallahassee and on the way there I realized something! Dad was going to be going right through Tallahassee that night. So, I called and begged him to stop. About 8:15 p.m. we met him one exit away from Ryck and Kenney's at Flying J. Just like old times...
Now, I can say, I had a MerryChristmas!

Papa loves his grandkids!

I love my Daddy!

Christmas Eve preparations!

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nick might soon be there...

Not here, but hey, I got ready, my way...

Girls plus Yoo-Ma out!

Brennan (faking)
Little boys, not faking.

Pre-Santa

Post-Santa

I did all right! Whew!

Christmas Work Party

We closed the office today at noon and everyone headed over here for a Christmas Party. We had a blast, as you can see. It is really nice that we have a great group of people working for us and that we all get along so well. The office is a very stressful place, but this group does pretty well. I am thankful for that!

What a great team!

Disney at Christmas

I headed down to the Magic Kingdom with the kids today. We were only there for a few hours, but we got to ride the tram, watch the Christmas parade and ride the train. We had fun and hope to go back next week.

The boys and me

The girls
The kids

Christmas Sacrament Meeting

I am the ward choir director and I was asked to prepare about 20 minutes of music for the sacrament meeting before Christmas.

Well, today was the day and I really enjoyed it. We had between 25 to 30 people in the choir and they sang beautifully!

All of you know how I feel about music and being a part of today is exactly what I love.

I'm glad it's over too...

Last day

It was the kids last day of school today.

Help!

Aislinn's Christmas Program

I went to Aislinn's Christmas program today. She had been practicing the songs for weeks and singing them beautifully. Above you see her being quite shy.

Aislinn and me

Aislinn and Christina, her friend.

However, today, she didn't sing a single word. When I asked her why she wasn't singing, she responded, "I was singing, in my head". Of course she was!

Shelby

Shelby is 6 months old on the 19th. She is a really great puppy and a fun addition to our family.

Round Lake Elementary Christmas Concert

Kerstyn is definitely my child! She loves music and it comes quite easily to her. I really enjoyed watching her tonight. She did a really good job in the chorus and in the bell group.

She is having a good time...

The picture below is her sitting on the floor playing the contra bass bells. It was really neat because you could really hear her since it was the only one and it was really low pitched. I am a proud mommy!

Below is a video of one of the chorus songs.

Let there be...

I know, I know... shocking.

Yet, true!

Music, music, music!

I felt impressed during April's General Conference that it was time for me to use my music talent more. Well, here we are and it has come true!

I am the Primary pianist! I pray, literally, every time I sit down at the piano now. I pray that I can be lifted up to the level that I need to be to be successful in my calling. So far, it has been true. I stand all amazed!

I am the ward Choir Director. Really? Yes, really. I don't sing, but I know music, and they said that was enough. Well, today, we had our last rehearsal before the Sacrament meeting next Sunday where it will be at least half the choir singing. I left uplifted and feeling blessed. Blessed that I have this calling, to share what I love and to sing and feel the spirit through song.

Wow! Isn't it interesting how Heavenly Father works?

Party and shop!

Last night Chris and I were able to go to the Carter's home to a Christmas Party. They did not have the party last year, the the two years prior, I was there as a server. Tonight, I got to go as a guest.

Let me just say that Chris and I had an amazing time! The food was superb and the company a blessing to be around! It was a great way to get us in the Christmas spirit.

I know that many of you have followed my blog for years, and if that is the case, you know that Debbie is a DEAR friend of mine. I have been her visiting teacher for ever it seems, and I am so glad about that. I taught second grade with her for 2 wonderful years and when I say taught with her, I mean "WITH" her. We shared a classroom. I taught mornings and Debbie taught afternoons. It was amazing. We never had a glitch and I was sad to go, but baby 5 made it so...

I feel like I am a member of their family for some reason and I know that my life and the life of our family has been blessed by all of their family. I didn't start this post with the intention of sharing all that, but I felt moved to do so. I kinda don't open to many, but with the Carter's, it seems natural. They have all blessed my life!

Okay, enough of that... on to Saturday and shopping!

Debbie Clayton (I only use her last name because I was just talking about Debbie Carter) and I headed to shop this afternoon. We walked around Banana Republic some and then headed to Nordstrom Rack. I am so glad that Debbie was there with me because she really helped me find some cute dresses and a shirt. Now I know, from now on that I must have my shopping assistant with me.

After shopping, we purchased 4 dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Yes, you read it right, 4 dozen. We ate every last one before we got home. Just kidding, we only ate 3 a piece and had the rest for our families on Sunday. Aren't we nice?

They still love me

The tree will go up tomorrow.

Hopefully.

However, they still love me.

Right?

Oh Christmas tree

Well, I can sing it, but I sure don't have it up!

Poor kids...

Lauklan's Pack Meeting

Kerstyn, Greyson, Lauklan, Aislinn and I watched Lauklan get some beltloops and pins tonight. He is almost to earning his Wolf Badge and we are so proud of him and his accomplishments in Scouting.

Way to go LJ!

I'm a hurtin!

I had my appointment with my personal trainer tonight.

We did arm work the whole 30 minutes.

I'm hurting and knowing that. Tomorrow will be worse and I will be really feeling it on Wednesday.

What a good feeling!

Let there be color!

The house has been getting painted inside since the beginning of November, but since I just got a new computer, I can finally put some pictures up. Here is the living room. I really went for some color, didn't I?

This is of course in the kitchen with Mark and Vicki on Thanksgiving day.

Eat in kitchen area. The centerpiece on the kitchen table was sent to me by my Mom's best friend that has known me since birth. It was beautiful and a wonderful addition to our Thanksgiving feast.
Standing in the living room facing the dining room. As you can tell, I don't really use it as a dining room, more like an extended pantry... :)
In the family room. Aislinn is chilling out with Dora.