The UP House!

What is it with kids and boxes? I have said many times, forget the toys and give the kiddos a box and some crayons and they could entertain themselves for hours. In this case it has been for weeks! The girls have been demonstrating their creativity! They found balloons in the closet and went to town. They have each put their own personal touch somewhere on their so called "UP" house. Makell thinks it is the best thing ever! There have been many times that I have peeked in and found her with close to thirty babies and stuffed animals packed inside. It's cute to see their little faces peeking out the windows or door when I knock and ask if anyone is home? Adam likes to sneak around the corner and scare everyone. If you could only hear the screams and laughter:)! Maybe some of the neighbors have;)? I am still trying to figure out who is the biggest kid;)? Fun times! There have been a few nights Makell has been in tears because she couldn't actually sleep in it. I am pretty sure this box will be sticking around for quite some time.

Hello 2010!

Bring on 2010! With the start of a new year it's always interesting for me to look back on the previous year and evaluate myself to see if my goals have been checked off or unfortunately fallen through the cracks and left blank. This year I am taking a different approach to things. Usually I write my goals down in a journal but this year I have put them where I can see and read them every day! I wished I would have done this years ago! So far it has really helped me stay on track.



Just recently I heard some tips to follow that will help you achieve your goals.


They are:

1- Evaluate (decide what needs to be done)

2- Have a Plan (write down what you want to accomplish)

3- Act on the Plan (DO IT! If you need help don't be afraid to ask for help)

4- Report on your progress (follow up with someone)

5- Evaluate your progress (Keep Going! Ask our Father in Heaven for help! He's your

biggest fan!)

Sledding!

What do you do in the winter time? Go sledding!!! We decided we would try out the new sleds that Santa left! We had a pretty big snow storm that left a lot of the white fluffy stuff on the ground. We have had enough of the shoveling so we decided we would make the best of it and have fun with it! We took the kids to the golf course and it was a lot of fun. We are afraid Makell is our adrenalin junky! She is not afraid of anything! I think she was the first one down the hill. The hill in some parts were really slippery and packed down. After several attempts of climbing the hill and not succeeding Makell decided she would just crawl up! The kids found a small snow jump and of course had to try it out. Adam couldn't pass it up either and caught air several times! I still can't figure out who is the biggest kid;)!

Christmas Morning!

Late to bed early to rise was Kourtney's philosophy this year. After tracking Santa and his reindeer it was off to bed later than we hoped. First wake up call came from Kourtney at 12:47 a.m.! I felt like we had just closed our eyes before I heard someone walking around. Are you kidding ! Not a chance so Kourt was sent back to bed! A few hours later I hear foot steps walking through my bedroom. I opened my eyes and saw a silhouette (Kourtney) tip toeing over to the alarm clock to see what time it was. I didn't say a word as I watched her turn around and walk back to Makell's room. She knew better since it was only around 3:00 a.m. Then at 6:00 Kourtney crawled in our bed with us and asked if she could wake everyone up. We made her lay by us until 6:30 before we let her wake the others. I wonder if she even slept at all? Everyone got up and crawled in bed with us. I didn't take long for the eyes to be wide awake with feet and hands flopping everywhere in excitement! We asked the girls what would happen if Santa didn't leave them what they had asked for? Kaitlyn said she would be fine with what ever he left her. Kourtney's response was the same. Makell on the other hand had a different idea. She told us that she would NOT be fine with it in her sweet little way! She made us all laugh! As everyone headed down stairs we quickly found out that everyone made the NICE list! Santa had left them what they had asked for! The morning was spent playing their DS systems and games:)!

Christmas Eve!

I can not believe that Christmas is HERE! The house is full of excitement and not only from the little ones;)! Santa left gifts on the front porch in preparation for Christmas morning! New pajamas! This is one of their favorite traditions! This year we decided to do things a little different. Earlier in the month I had read some fantastic Christmas Stories! I had an idea that maybe I would include them into our Christmas Eve since the girls LOVE reading stories together. I read a story from my sister-in-law Janette called the Dime. For me it was a tear jerker and really portrayed the true meaning of Christmas. I read the story to everyone and gave them a red rose and dime and asked them to think about what they would have done. Adam read another story to us called, The Best Christmas Ever! It was quite a long story but sooooo good and the kids sat there so still & quite listening (even Makell). It helped us all feel the Christmas spirit so strongly! After the stories the girls prepared to reenact the nativity. As Kourtney and Kaitlyn gathered and put props together Makell crawled onto my lap and fell asleep in a matter of seconds! I guess all the excitement wore her right out. As Dad read the story from the scriptures Kourtney and Kaitlyn played the rolls of all and had many costume changes. Even with a lack of people they loved it! Finally it was time to leave a snack for Santa and the reindeer. Some how Makell heard and got a second wind. They decided to leave a different kind of snack(dirty snowballs) for Santa with milk & carrots for the reindeer!

Christmas Piano Recital

The month of December has been a busy one! There have been many different events and parties! Tonight was Kourtney and Kaitlyn's piano recital. They have been working on Christmas songs the past month to be able to perform in front of everyone. I have loved hearing them practice and it has really made it feel like Christmas at home! Each of the students played two songs. Kourtney played Joy to the World & Deck the Halls. Kaitlyn played Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy & Angels we have Heard on High . They were both really nervous and did a fantastic job! They had lots of support from grandparents, aunts & uncles, and friends! Shortly after the recital had started Kourtney leaned over to me and whispered that her school teacher had come to listen and watch her play! She thought that was the neatest thing ever! It's been so exciting to see their talents develop and take shape with the help of the teacher Jake! He is awesome!

Kourtney & Kaitlyn with their teacher Jake.
The group of students. I think a few were missing...?

Visit with Santa!

We finally made it over to see Santa. After waiting in line behind several dressed up dogs and cats we over heard it was pet night with Santa. Makell was a little confused. She looked up at me with a puzzled look on her face and said I didn't know cats and dogs get to sit on Santa's lap and get toys...? Actually I didn't either! Obviously not pet owners. After we signed an allergy waiver it was finally our turn! Kaitlyn was first and she asked for a DS and webkins. Makell asked Santa for a DS, Wordwise computer and a Polly Pocket roller coaster. Santa asked Makell what she was planning on doing with those things and she looked up at him and said, " PLAY WITH THEM"! Of course Santa! Kourtney asked for a DS and the game scrabble! Santa was really impressed! He gave her a quick spelling bee and then asked her to spell Hippopotamus! She thought that was so funny and I wish you could have seen her face! He asked them what list they thought they were on. They all in unison replied "NICE list". I guess to really find out what list they made we will have to wait until Christmas morning!