Ryan's Game Night

Ryan convinced me last week that he needed to have a game night with his buddies, so this past Friday we gathered his cousins and friends from the ward to play games and have snacks.

We had a rip-roaring game of "Do you love your neighbor" in which the kids played opposite what is usually done, they fought to be caught in the middle, often running in circles instead of sitting down.

We played "4 on a couch" which is a game Scott and I learned just recently and I discovered that it's a little tricky to play a competitive game with little kids who don't like to lose (Izzy screamed and Warren was close to tears). Despite that, they enjoyed the game.

My favorite time of the night (and I don't think I'm alone in this) was the air guitar concert. At first only Ryan and Isabelle wanted to participate, but little by little we had them all jamming to the August Rush soundtrack (so funny!).

It was a very fun night that I'm sure will be repeated many, many times in the future!

Two Peas in a Pod

My nephew Jackson is fascinated with pots and cooking. This adorable boy got a kitchen set for Christmas and was delighted with Santa Claus.

I was looking through pictures this morning and found these pictures of Ryan.

Kris, Jack's not alone!!

I forgot that Ryan was delighted by kitchen gadgets. I think the fascination was partly because of the mess, partly because of the noise (picture banging pots) and partly because he liked to be right next to me anytime I might be doing something interesting.

Needless to say, during his early years I went through many pie tins (they make great drums), boxes of cereal (dumped in pots, not eaten - well, mostly), and washed many, many dishes that were not used to prepare anything that was served at the table.

I love those memories. Thank goodness for pictures.

Many things to be thankful for...

I have many, many people to be thankful for that fill my heart with love and tenderness. I have this wonderful husband who is so good to me and works sooo hard to take care of us all. I have two of the most delightful and wonderful children that ever lived. I have wonderful friends and family that continue to give me love and strength. I love you all and give great thanks for you.

Tonight however, one dear friend brings me closer to heaven with her strength, her wisdom and her love. My sweet friend April and her beautiful family are an incredible example of faith, hope, and charity. Every time I read her blog or her sweet son's blog (wink from heaven) I cry and I pray that I will be more like her today, tomorrow and everyday.

So, while I am always so thankful for everyone that truly blesses my life, tonight, April, I'm thankful for you.

My Favorite Christmas Tradition

Every year I look forward with great anticipation to our caroling night with my family. We've been caroling for as long as I can remember and I've always loved it (that shouldn't surprise anyone!).

Oddly enough I think I have only two pictures to document this event from all of those years. But luckily, I have this fantastic sister-in-law who is really good at documenting life with videos. She recorded us this year and just posted it to her blog. If you want to listen in, go ahead and just pretend we're standing on your porch on a very cold night!

This picture is from 2001 and I had to scan it in, so it's a horrid copy, again, thank goodness for Kristen!

Last night I drove our new babysitter home and laughed as she reported this conversation she had with Isabelle:
Izzy: Here's our phone number (writing it down), put it right by your bed so you remember to call my mom first thing in the morning to tell her you want to babysit us every day.

Okay, so it was a one-sided conversation, but we both had a good chuckle about it!

9 to 5 clogging!

Last night was my clogging studio's big performance. My group did our new "9 to 5" dance. For the first time ever I'm going to post a video of my group dancing - enjoy!
(I'm wearing a black dress with a colored scarf - I start in the back.)

Izzy's first clogging show

Last Monday night Izzy's team "The Mini's" performed (along with other teams) at the Seville Retirement Center. It was crowded and difficult to get a good view, but she was beautiful and I was so proud of her! I was also pleased that she was excited about her costume - although that didn't stop her from wanting it off the second she was done.