Cactus Gardens 2009

Each year, since Greg and I moved to Vegas, we have gone to the Cactus Gardens on Christmas Eve. I realize it is not Christmas Eve, but the girls and I did it today. If you are ever in Vegas in November or December it is a great time to go to the Ethel M. Factory. Each cactus is strung with hundreds of lights. (how would you like that job?) This year they have added so much. It was fun.

(she makes me laugh!)

The lights are so great. My weak camera cannot even begin to capture the pretty lights. Oh well, I just like to pictures of my cute girls.

This Christmas season I am just going through the motions. I have been trying to do things for the girls. None of it has brought me the joy that it usually does. I am so thankful for the Christmas season and for my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am grateful for his birth, life, atonement, death, and Resurrection. I usually love the feelings that this season brings. I just wish that I had a husband to celebrate with. I miss Greg so much right now. I can make it day-to-day with out him, but right now with the holidays, I really want him here. The last year has gone by in a flash, so the next four months will also. Anyway enough about my pity party. We hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Payton's Ballet Recital

Payton had her first ballet recital today. She was very nervous with all the adults in the room. Here is a summary of her behavior during the recital.
First she wouldn't let me put on her shoes. See the frown?! She refuses to smile.
Then she did not want to sit down on the floor near her classmates. She is pouting because the teaching assistant came and got her and set her down behind the line.
She was a stiff body not doing anything. The teacher had to drag her along with every activity. She loves ballet, so it was very much not like her.
Then, oh what can it be? Yes it is! It is Payton performing. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star came on and Payton immediately began to move.
And then the "Me and my teddy bear" song came on and she belted out the words and actions.
Applause for the final position of the song. But, can you imagine what happened next? She went stiff again during the tap dancing part of the recital. I have concluded that she likes the songs she can sing to (she loves to sing). The others she was to self conscience to do. Crazy girl! She and Madi sang a duet in church a couple weeks ago and then she cannot dance in front of 20 adults. Go figure.

Here is a picture of the group.

And here is the final bow for the morning. (sorry the camera timer made me miss the actual bow, this is her right after. Oh, well)

Madison

Madison is doing a great job in Kindergarten. She is above grade level. Each year the district gives a reading and math test each trimester. Madi got a 100% on both tests. Her name was called over the intercom and she got to pick out a stuffed animal from the counselor. She was so happy with the blue dolphin she picked.

I had her parent teacher conference and her teacher said she is doing really well. She just needs Madi to stop talking and stay near her seat. I guess she likes to wander.

She is so happy were she is and she loves her teacher. This week she got an award for academics. There are no A's and B's in Kindergarten, but she knows all the letters, numbers to 20 and so forth. She is writing complete sentences!! That is a big deal to me considering I have first graders that don't know what a sentence is. She has been spelling to me each day. "mom can we make /e/ /g/ /g/'s?" or "mom I like /r/ /e/ /d/." or " mom my new favorite word is /h/ /a/ /v/ /e/!" I am so proud of her. She makes me smile.

Madi getting her academics award from Mr. Kubala, our principle.

Madi standing with a few of her classmates.

Madi and her teacher Ms. Williams

The Chrismas Season

The Christmas season is definitely upon us. Life is busy, but busy is good this year. I had bought this cupcake cookbook and I had this brilliant idea to make these ornament cupcakes for a few friends. It was fun and easy to make, but man was it time consuming. I will have to plan a good chunk of time next time I do them. I had this plan to make six batches of cupcakes and I got through 26 cupcakes (1 1/2 batches) and had to stop. I was excited how they turned out, so I had to share.
Saturday night was our ward Christmas dinner. The dinner was good. The primary did the manger scene and sung songs. Payton was an angel. She loved it.
Madi was a lion. She is the one in the middle front row (the right yellow costume). She sung nice and loud. She loved being the lion. She really wanted to be a donkey, but had to be the lion. I thought she would complain, but she was just excited to be an animal instead of an angel.
Tonight Madi's class sung Feliz Navidad for a school concert. Only about 6 kids from her class showed up, and the girl in front of the mic took over, but it was fun. My little Madi is growing up be a big, sweet, smart girl. I hope the Christmas season is good to you all.

Madi's Retake

Madi and I decided to retake her school picture. I am so glad she did. I love her smile. The Star Wars shirt is Madi's favorite shirt. Also, her hair is a mess, which is totally Madi. She doesn't care about her hair. Unlike Payton who is a princess and loves her hair to be done fancy everyday. Overall I am happy with Madi's kindergarten picture!

Thanksgiving 2009

This year my wonderful sister and her husband took pity on me and came down for Thanksgiving. It was a great weekend. We had a busy weekend of making dinner, doing crafts and watching movies. We missed Greg terribly, but one more holiday down until he gets home. I thought with the Thanksgiving holiday I should list some of the things I am grateful for.

I am grateful for crafts. They are one of my favorite past times. This weekend Emily and
Scott helped the kids make these pine cone turkeys and pilgrim/ Native American bookmarks. Aren't they cute!

I am grateful for families. I loved having Emily and Scott here, but I missed being with all my family on Thanksgiving. I hope every ones day was great!
I am grateful for Madison. She is so happy all the time. She was sick on Thanksgiving. I felt bad, but I felt that was a blessing because I hardly thought about Greg being gone.
I am grateful for Payton. My cute red head gives me a run for my money, but she is my lovable little girl.
I am grateful for my house. It keeps us warm and safe. I can't ask for anything better right now.
I am grateful for the holidays. They are my favorite time of the year. This year is tough, but it is almost over.

Most of all I am grateful for my husband who is a GREAT man. He is willing to serve our country, provide for us, and is honest in all he does.

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!

New Moon

Exactly one year after seeing Twilight, my friends and I went to the midnight showing of New Moon . It was so much fun! This is about as wild as I get. Spending time with adult women is just what I have needed lately. The midnight showing is always fun because the theater is full of avid fans. I felt that our theater did not have as many teens. I thought is was funny that most of us were adults and a few teens mixed in. The movie was great! The 2nd Twilight book was my least favorite, but they did an awesome job with the movie. I can't wait to see it again!

Me, Megan, Lisa, Emily

Kelly, Tara, Angie