Wishing you Happiness and Joy!

Ellie as the beautiful Iris

November 4, 2010

Ahhh....November!

"It was November...

the month of crimson sunsets, parting birds,

deep, sad hymns of the sea,

passionate wind-songs in the pines.

Anne roamed through the pineland alleys in the park,

and, as she said,

let that great sweeping wind

blow the fogs out of her soul."

L.M. Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables)

I love the imagery of this quote....don't you?

What is she up to?

I found this list in Lainie's bag.  (Yes, I'm the kind of mom who goes through bags.  I also go through underwear drawers and on occasion I have even peeked in diaries, but only if they're left out.) 
I wonder what she's up to?

9 helpful steps to fake sick:

1- almonds and grapes

2- warm washcloth 

3- lick hands

4- toothpaste on tongue

5- pinch/scratch cheeks

6- work on fake cough

7- occasional moaning

8-blow nose often

9- cherry limeade

I've got an idea or two about the almonds, grapes and toothpaste, but I don't have a clue about the cherry limeade.  Oh, kids these days!

Jace-isms

I need to get these down before I forget them!

#1)     It's Sharing Time and our Primary President is asking for helpers.  She reminds the kids that only those who are being good will be chosen.  She warns them that they must have their arms folded, their feet flat on the floor, and no one should be using their voices.  After surveying the room, she chooses Segan (say-gun) Myers. (and this is where it all goes wrong!)  In his most irritated, disbelieving voice, Jace yells; "Satan?!  You picked Satan?  I'm sittin' here with my arms folded and you pick Satan?!"
Really?  How dare she?  Jace, for once, is obeying and sitting reverently and she chooses to pick Lucifer, the father of all lies?  Blasphemy!

#2)     I volunteer each Wednesday morning (for 1 hour) in Jace's kindergarten class.  As I'm getting ready to leave one day, Jace says; "Mom, I wish you could stay all day."  "Really?"  I respond, "Why would you like that?"  "Because" he replies, "Ms. Susana is pretty all day!"
And that she is!  She's a dark haired beauty from Spain who has a diamond chip in her top lateral incisor.  It sparkles at you every time she smiles.

Life Decisions

I’m so proud of my children. I knew I could count on them making very good decisions when faced with a tough choice. Yesterday, after much hand wringing and reflective thought, Jace decided to be Darth Vader for Halloween. Several candidates were in the running: Harry Potter, a Pirate, a Ninja, Superman, but the coolest arch villain of all time was chosen. I think I had a small tear in my eye when he announced his decision. He did point out after we got his costume that he only has a “blue” lightsaber, thus I’m going to be out another 15 bucks to get the correct “red” version for the dark sith lord ensemble. Oh well, small price to pay.      ~Dustin

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

I, like Megan, always think of this book when school starts.

"Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You're off to great places!

You're off and away!

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself

any direction you choose."

It's exciting isn't it?  A new school year.  A new chance to make something of yourself.  To struggle and to grow.  So many choices to make...so many things to do...so many mistakes to learn from!  And its all O.K. (the bad included) because it helps you BECOME the amazing person you are meant to be! 

Good Luck kiddos! 

I'm so proud of how hard you work and know this year is going to be outstanding!

Summertime #4

Do you hike to a cave?
Play in a waterfall?
Laugh at your crazy uncle?

Summertime #3

Do you make S'mores?
Climb trees?
Get kisses?

Summertime #2

Do you swim at the lake?
Or play with the hose?

Oh, What Do You Do In The Summertime?

Do you BBQ with your cousins?

Snowbird

Donut Falls

&$!@# Creek

We found ourselves in the Post Register in an article written by Jerry Painter after "Ridin' the rail-trail" with the rest of the Birch clan.  We had a great bike ride that day and as always enjoyed each others company!

trestle bridge over Bitch Creek

Waterfall Canyon Ogden, Utah

You can't tell in these photos, but this waterfall is 200ft.  It's rather impressive in person!

Twin Falls, ID.

May 31st we took a quick day trip up to Twin Falls to see the Perrine Bridge and Shoshone Falls.

 

Would you do this?

When I was younger, "Yes!"  Now, "No thanks!" 

I've got this to live for!

Time flies when you're having fun!

Wow!  Two months gone already?  Around here, summertime means no time to post.
Don't worry, I'll be back soon with lots-o-photos!

P.S.  Hope your summer was as fabulous as ours!

Jace is 5!

A quick look back at the last 5 years

Happy Birthday to you

You live in a zoo

You smell like a monkey

And you act like one too!

Happy 5th Birthday Dude!

Lainie Lu

Lainie chillin' before recital

Congrats on another beautiful performance. 

We love to watch you dance!

(unfortunatley I don't have any dance pictures to post.  photos are not allowed to be taken during recital.  no photos were taken before, because her costumes were all at the theatre and her hair-brained mother forgot to snap a quick photo after.  but, if you'd like to come over, i'd love to show you the professional photos and the dvd!)