2015- Week 50

Monday night was my favorite night of the holidays.  We went with Jeff's family to the Forgotten Carols.  I love it and look forward to going every year.  This year they made a few changes and overall I loved it.  I missed the live choirs and Michael at the piano more- but the new sets and lighting were awesome.  I also love that my girls got to go and next year Ethan will.  Next year we plan to go even if Jeff's parents can't.  It's too good to miss for me.

Ashtyn tried out for the school musical this year.  I honestly don't know why she hasn't done this before because she loves to sing and act.  The musical is The King and I.  Ashtyn of course had never heard of it so I made her research it online and listen to the music.  She wanted to get a part so bad.  Not just in the ensemble but a real part.  Last week was the audition.  She sang "Maybe" from the musical Annie.  She found out that she made call backs and that they would be on Monday so she had just the weekend to learn two dances and three songs.  She was so nervous but she had worked really hard and I knew she was prepared. Well this week she found out that she got the part of Tuptim.  This is a lead part!  She is very excited. The musical will be held in March.

We made gingerbread houses.  Liz joined us too.  This is always a fun night!

2015- Week 49

 Ashtyn and Whitney had their Winter choir concert.

Ashtyn loves to sing.  She even tried out for the school musical and made it to call backs.  

She will find out next week if she gets a part.

 We had a PTA meeting this week and my friend Annie's daughter Scout left her toy leopard there.  She is the cutest little girl so I thought she would think it was fun if the leopard went on a little adventure.  Here are the texts I sent her mom...

"Scouts leopard got out and is stalking the school."

 "Holy cow it followed me to the school!" "Who knew leopards like bananas??"

 "He couldn't resist."

 "It reminds him of his mother."

 "He found some friends."

 "He made his way home! You better go catch him before he tries to escape again!"

 This is a bed I saw at the Parade of Homes two years ago and have been wishing for.  Jeff got it for me for Christmas!  We also got the matching dresser and tv stand.  I wasn't sure I would like them too because it's not my style to have a matching set- but I love how they look.  

It's nice to finally be decorating our room after living here for six years.

When Brody earns enough points on his behavior chart he gets to pick a reward and he always picks sleeping over at our house.  We love having him over he is a great kid.  He helped me fold all my laundry to earn some money to buy Christmas gifts for his family.  We went to the dollar store and he picked out just the right gifts.  Then he came home and wrapped them.

 Our cute neighbors John and Kim Stevens were sealed in the Oquirrh Mountain temple.  

It was such a special day.  We adore them!

That night was our ward party.  The Primary was in charge of two singing numbers. "The Shepherds Carol" and "Could I Hold The Baby".  Our music leader Alisa is awesome!

They did amazing. 

2015- Week 48

 This year we held the Pearson Family Party at Little America early so that Tom and Sharon could be there before they left on their mission.  The room we meet in had been remodeled and looked awesome.  It's always a fun time to get together with this side of the family.

 Afterwards we headed out to pick out our Christmas tree.  

This tree is one of my favorite trees we have ever picked out.

 The girls put up the rest of our Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving 

but I never took pictures.

 That night my brother gave Jeff and I his Jazz tickets because he had to work.  So we went on a date.    It was so fun!  It was a really close game and went into overtime.

 We got to witness the world's biggest silly string fight.

 This counted as our November date.  I gave Jeff a pass to a shooting range and a Cafe Rio gift card this month.  We use the Cafe Rio card to go to dinner and we'll go shooting another time.  I actually hate guns so I'm happy to postpone that one,

 On Sunday we celebrated Christmas with Jeff's family.  

Early this year before his parents leave on their mission to Nauvoo.

 Kenzie was Mary and Bryant was Joseph this year.  Hallie is their little donkey.

 Porter was a shepherd and Ethan and Fischer were sheep.

 Whitney, Ashtyn and Jen were all wise men and Phoebe and Maddie were angels.  

 

 This is a tradition in Jeff's family and I love it.  It's always a little bit like trying to herd cats but it's cute to see them dressed up and portray this amazing story.

 Afterwards we exchanged gifts with Tom and Sharon.

They will leave next week for a year and we will miss them!