Bed Routine

Kynlee cracks me up! She likes to be surrounded by all of her favorite stuffed animals when she sleeps, not to mention, PINK everything. Each night, she takes the time to arrange spots for her stuffed animals, leaving barely enough room for herself. I think there are 18 dolls on her bed, or should I say on her pillow! She has 3 Web Kinz, a Build-A-Bear, gifts from Grandmas, friends, the Easter Bunny, and Santa. I would say that I have bagged just as many stuffed animals, per kid, that are in storage until we have more room. Kynlee treasures each one and in return they help her to sleep tight!:)

Reading Achievement

I am such a proud Mom! Karley came home from school and showed me a Reading Award she received from her teacher. It said that she has increased 6 levels in her class! Her teacher also told her that she has improved the most in her class. She has come such a long way with her reading. Twice a week she goes to a private Reading class during school. She loves her Reading teacher! It obviously has helped her out. I was so thrilled about this news that I treated her to an Oreo shake. She deserved it! You have worked so hard...keep up the good work Karley!

Musical Number

I played my violin in Sacrament meeting yesterday. I love being asked to play at church. I am definitely not as good as I was in my younger years (which I never thought I was very good), but I always jump at the occasion just to keep up my skills. I usually like to play the 2nd violin part, but the last few times I've played the 1st violin part. I've gotten so brave...it's been fun! Yesterday, I played a duet with one of my Mia Maids, who is Kynlee's private violin teacher. She is in 8th grade and is far more advanced than I ever was. We played my favorite hymn, "How Great Thou Art". It was such a beautiful arrangement and although I didn't make it through without errors, I was complimented on how wonderful it sounded. Thank you! I know that we can feel the spirit through music. I feel that when I play the violin, I am sharing my testimony of the Savior. It's a powerful and amazing feeling! I am so thankful for parents that endured many years of my complaining, drove me to and paid for private lessons, supported me in concerts and performances, and who proved to be my biggest fans. I am more grateful now for this talent and for the opportunities of sharing it once in a while. I look forward to the next time!

Calling High

I have been serving in the Primary organization for 10 years. I have been a Nursery teacher, Activity Day Leader, 2nd Counselor, 1st Counselor, Substitute Chorister, Cub Committee Chair, Substitute Cubmaster, President, and my latest callings have been a team Primary teacher with Matt, Webelos Den Leader, and Cub Advancement Chair. I think I have almost done it all. I have loved being in the Primary, especially since my kids have been in it. I always pictured any other organization as being scary. Well, on Christmas Sunday, I got called to serve as 1st Counselor in the Young Women's Presidency. AHHH! Actually, when Bishop came to give me the calling, I was excited! As the day went on, I remembered how much time I spent praying to know who to choose for my Counselors in the Primary, and I was humbled to know that the new YW President had done the same and Heavenly Father had confirmed my name to be one of her Counselors. I am definitely overwhelmed as I learn of and try to keep track of my responsibilities. We had our first activity last week and I had a blast! It was so fun to see their personalities come out. This last Sunday, I taught for the first time. I am over the Mia Maids. It went better than I expected...I wasn't nervous, they willingly participated in reading scriptures and answering questions, complimented me on a good lesson, and hugged me before they left. In just a short time I think I have been accepted by these sweet girls!:) I have been on a "Calling High"! It just feels so good! I do feel like this calling has come at the perfect time in my life. Matthew is in YM and I am excited to be able to participate with him. Also, Kynlee comes into YW in less than 2 years. I know that this experience will help me be a better Mom to my sweet daughters as I prepare them to be righteous Young Women. I am so grateful to serve and I hope that I will be an instrument in the Lord's hands.

Snow Hut

Over the break, Matthew and his best friend, Cameron, built a snow hut at the green belt behind Cameron's house, just across his back fence. They have a "SNOW" camp out coming up soon for Scouts and wanted to get some practice with building their sleeping quarters. They worked hours on it, shoveling and packing snow into a huge pile, and then digging and scraping the cave out with little garden tools. They even made spots inside for the candles to go. After working so hard, they put a bunch of sleeping bags down on top of a tarp. Yes, they planned on sleeping in it! We let Matthew stay over for "practice" reasons.:) They ended up going inside at 4am, not because they were cold, but because they were squished. I don't know how they withstood the freezing cold air on the way inside. Once in, they made some hot chocolate and after talking and laughing for an hour, they went back to sleep indoors. They learned that, when they go up this weekend to build their snow hut for Scouts, they are going to make the space inside bigger. Only crazy boys would be so excited to sleep out in the snow! In this picture you can see the candles they used to keep them warm and the tools they used to dig out the hole. They also had a makeshift door.

Two big boys snug as bugs in a rug!:)

Standing outside of their hut. They were so proud! Can you blame them? It's awesome!