Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, Amber!

Amber's one birthday wish was to go to the cabin with a friend. We don't really "do" sleepovers; however, we consented to a cabin trip sleepover...on several conditions... When we arrived at the cabin, there was deep snow everywhere. While standing, the snow hit me at my waist. Because it was so light and fluffy, we could run through it. It almost felt as if we were swimming through snow. We had a fantastic day, and we were so glad that Brooklyn Lowry and her sister, Kortlyn, could come with us!

I absolutely love birthdays, but I hate that with each birthday, my children get a year older. This birthday was no different. I can't believe my little girl is now 10. Time flies too quickly. I wish I could bottle up every special day and relive them over and over again. I am so grateful for Amber in my life. She is a treasure. She will hold my heart always and forever.

10 Things I love About Amber:
~I love that Amber finds joy in her everyday life. Amber’s nickname could be smiley, because a smile is her most common expression.
~Amber’s joy is contagious. I often find myself smiling in her presence.
~Amber is a hard worker. She is determined. If she sets her mind to something, she always seems to get it done.
~Amber is spiritual. She studies her scriptures every morning, and she blesses us with her knowledge.
~Amber is a good friend. She is conscientious of those around her. She wants to help the “underdog” whenever possible.
~Amber loves the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She has a strong testimony, and she shares it often.
~Amber is kind to her siblings. She is a friend to both her sister and her brother. She thinks of their feelings above her own.
~Amber is a goal setter. If she feels she needs to improve in some area, she will write it on a note where she can view it, and then continue to work at it until she has accomplished her goal.
~I love Amber’s hugs, and I love that she shares them with me often.
~ I love Amber’s spunky personality. She is witty. She is carefree. She is genuine.
I just love my little girl!! Happy Birthday, Amber!

Amber's birthday began in our own home.

Making a trail for sledding was a momentousness task, but totally worth it!

Victory Patch

VICTORY PATCH
Jake received his Silver "V" Patch! Great Job, Jake!

Karate Tournament
I love what Karate does for Jacob. I love that it builds confidence along with focus and discipline.

He was so excited about the medals.

Jake Loses His First Tooth
Jacob's tooth was extremely loose. I really just wanted to see just "how" loose it was... When I asked him for permission to wiggle his tooth, he was quite hesitant. He made me promise to only touch--I couldn't even pull in the slightest. (What kind of trust is that?) When he was finally reassured, I wiggled his tooth. As I was playing with his tooth, he moved his head, and to my shock--I was holding his tooth in between my two fingers. I felt horrible that I had accidentally pulled out his tooth when my intentions were entirely innocent.

REGIONAL for PIANO COMPOSITION

Hailey won at the regional level for a piano composition. She composed her own song, which she named, "Happily Ever After". It won at the school level, and then at the regional level, and we just found out that it also won at the State level. It will now be going to the National level of competition. Last year, Hailey entered this same contest, and that composition also went on to the National level. She received an Honorable Mention at Nationals, which only 1,000 of 300,000 receive.

Hailey's "I LOVE YOU"

One day, while picking Hailey up from school, Hailey wouldn't get in the car. She kept giving me the "one second" signal. She appeared to be wandering aimlessly in circles. I couldn't figure out why whatever she was doing needed to continue, and why she wouldn't just get in the car. I almost told her to stop doing her aimless wander when I realized what she was doing. There--at the middle school, in front of her peers--Hailey was writing me a message in the snow. She was so proud as she finished her foot art of "I love you", and I was grateful I let her take the time to create it. Sometimes I am so busy rushing that I miss the moments. I hope I can pause more often to allow moments like these to continue in our lives.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

New Year's at FEATHERVILLE
Because I serve in the Stake Young Women's, we stayed in Boise for the New Year's Eve Stake Dance, and then we went to Featherville to continue our celebrations!

I created a countdown of activities for my kids to do while I was at the Stake Dance.

Jason Gray is a stars on Studio C. He is also the son of the YW Stake President . Because he was in town visiting his parent's, he decided to come to the Stake Dance with his mom. My kids are huge fans so when I saw him at the dance, I called them to come and meet him. (Hailey's friend Kyah also came along as she was at our house.)

FEATHERVILLE & ICE

The kids searched for hours to find ice patches for sliding.

Never EAT Yellow Snow

There was solid ice on the sides of the river. The center of the river was still flowing, but all of the sides were frozen solid. We played for quite some time on the river banks. While playing, I found a patch of ice that wasn't as solid as the rest. I knew it didn't look as sturdy, but... I just had to see for myself. 

Sliding on Ice

We thought we were so funny as we took pictures of us jumping toward the river. It provided for great entertainment.

It seemed that we wanted to fall into the river, because we spent so much time finding weak spots in the ice, and jumping through.

SLEDDING

At first we didn't think there was enough snow for sledding; however, we still thought it would be worth a try...

MAKING BROWNIES