puppy love

This is what happens when you aren't feeling well and you have a puppy that loves you sooooooo much.

backpack at breakfast

The other morning Joshua sat down to the table for breakfast before school with his backpack already on. I asked him if he was super excited to get to school. His answer was, "No, I'm just to lazy to take it off."

very first band concert

Joshua had his very first band concert ever. He is in percussion. They started learning the snare drum and now have moved on to the bells.(looks like a xylophone to me)

It was almost impossible to get any decent pictures so this one and only will have to do.

Leiandie's wedding

Cary and I were honored to be invited to Leiandie's wedding. Cary taught her in seminary and I was one of her Young Women leaders for years.  We are so proud of her and love her so much!

12/12/12

Just wanted to post the date...:) Next time that happens I'll be dead.

what's been goin' on

We decided Kate's room needed a makeover so we have been busy working away trying to make a few changes. She chose to paint over the lavender in her room to a very bright turquoise. I was worried about the color at first, but it has turned out very cute. Her new bedding is black and white. We have also repainted some of the white furniture black as well. I covered her old lamp with two different print ribbons and it turned out super cute. We still have work to do but it is coming along and she is very happy with the results.

Recently we had some friends over for dinner. I noticed that all three of our boys were so consumed with electronics. Each of them had their nose either in a phone or laptop or iPod or something. Anyway, I made some kind of comment like, "our kids are way to consumed with technology"....and from the other room I hear Adria say, "We aren't. We are old-schoolin' it". She and Kate were in the kitchen reading, writing, and drawing pictures. Definitely old-school...

The Beehives came over last Wednesday night to put together cookie plates and deliver them to several families in the ward. We sang Christmas Carols as we waited for the families to come to their door. It was a super fun activity.

St. Nick made a stop at our house. This is a tradition that I grew up with having lived in Germany for many years when I was younger. Every year on the night of December 5th the kids put their shoes out. If they have been good during the year a small treat will be left for them...if they've been naughty some coal or switches will be left behind. Somebody forgot to put his shoe out this year....he's lucky I've got connections. :)

12

Joshua is now 12. How did that happen?  Time is slipping by way to quickly and my kids will not stop growing up.

We started out celebrating with a date to Baskin Robbins on Friday night. Just me and him.  I love this boy so much.  He makes me smile and there is never a dull moment when he is around.

Taking him to get ice cream reminded me of this picture that I took of him years ago.  He still tends to eat this exact same way. I love that cute little face.

Saturday night we opened presents then went out for a celebration dinner to a place of his choice.

It has been a tradition now for the last few years that Joshua receives the latest Wimpy Kid book. He reads them in a matter of hours.

Joshua has wanted a fedora for quite a while now. Braeden found this one at Target and thought it would be perfect for him.

..and the thing that Joshua wanted most of all

Sunday morning, with his hair cut and new suit Joshua was ordained a Deacon in the priesthood.

Sunday afternoon, we invited some friends over for Joshua's favorite dinner which consisted of Tortellini Carbonara, homemade french bread, and not 1 but 2 chocolate pies.  He insisted on pies not cake.

We love this boy more than words can express. He has a quick wit and sense of humor....he always keeps us laughing. We are so very blessed to have him in our family.