Piano Festival 2010

Whew--the first week of March just about killed me over with stress, but I am happy to report that I survived my second year of putting students in piano festival. I played myself for 9 consecutive years as a girl, and as scary as it was, I never dreamed that my teacher was more scared than me! I entered seven students this year, and they all made me proud! Especially my two favorite students--McKenna and Kyler. This was Kyler's first year in festival, and he got a perfect score! McKenna, now in her 2nd year, received a 99 and blew her judge away with her musicality. Both he and McKenna feel music so easily. It's so exciting for me to see them creating and enjoying music! I am truly thankful to my own parents who provided me with the opportunity to learn music. Music is food to my soul. Few things in this life bring be as much satisfaction and joy as music does--and few things bring me closer to the Spirit. I want so much for my own children to have this gift in there life--so it is thrilling for me to see the beginnings of their love for music grow!

St. Patrick's Day

I tried to play a fun St. Patrick's Day joke on my kiddos this year! The green milk idea came from a roommate at Ricks College. I wish I had a picture of McKenna's face when she opened the fridge door. Yes, they're totally posing in these pictures (what hams!), but the real reaction was hilarious! And, I've also discovered that even though you know it's just food coloring, green milk is seriously hard to drink!

Pacifier Baby

We are hoping that he is not addicted to his pacifier, but this can't be a good sign

Family Ski Day

Our family had a fun time together at Grand Targhee this last week. Even Ashton was able to come with us and enjoy the blue bird day. Mom got back on her skis, and the kids are having a great time learning a new sport. Hopefully it will be one we enjoy together as a family for a lot of years to come.

Ashton & Dad

McKenna & Kyler

Dad trying to get Carson to turn his knees in instead of out

Cute McKenna

From the Mouth of Carson

Carson... what a character! I could create a blog entirely out of funny things he says each day. Almost every Sunday, people approach me and say, "Do you know what your son said in Primary today?" Then I get really nervous. He really likes telling people that his mom is "Wude!"

Well, just the other day, I fixed Carson some dinosaur chicken nuggets for lunch. As he was munching them, he said:

Carson: "Mom, are dinosaurs weal?"

Me: "Yes. They're real, but they're all dead now."

Carson: "Is dat because Jesus ate one and didn't like it and got mad?"

He's on the Move!

Life, for me, has gotten much more difficult.

Ashton is mobile.

Everything has suddenly become dangerous. Yesterday, Ashton pulled a lamp down on top of himself... twice! He also spent almost 10 minutes opening and closing the door on our entertainment center. You could see the fascination in his eyes. It truly is adorable to watch him discover and explore. His personality seems to have changed with his new talents as well. He seems a little less baby already. That breaks my heart.

Please don't grow up too fast, Ashton!

Valentines Day 2010

We were definitely feeling the love in our home on Valentines Day this year! Justin and I discovered years ago that it is impossible to get a babysitter on Valentines Day, so we decided to start a new tradition: A fancy, romantic dinner... at home with the kids!! And boy, do they LOVE it! Each year, we order a heart-shaped pizza, fill the goblets with Root Beer, and make fancy treats. Our dinner was extra special this year because we shared it with two people we LOVE so much--Grandpa and Grandma Luke!!

While we were eating, I announced that we were going to go around the table and each say something we love about Grandpa and Grandma. Carson volunteered to go first. He hopped off his chair and started walking around the table. We were puzzled for a few minutes until we realized that he had taken my statement, "going around the table," literally! Too funny!!