Haircuts, a Lost Tooth and Level 6!!

Cole's hair was getting pretty long. He was asking to have it cut, but we just didn't take the time to do it over Christmas break. Then, we were back to school and karate and music and we were so busy that we couldn't seem to find time. Finally, we were driving home from school one day and he was complaining about how long his hair was. Madison (whom we carpool with) pulled out a hair band and said "Look, I can even make a ponytail with your hair!" Yep - he had a ponytail and then we went to get a haircut that night before karate.

He has VERY specific requests when it comes to his haircuts. I don't dare try to get in the middle anymore - I just watch. The lady cut it and styled it sort of up but then folded over to the side. As soon as he got home, he made it stand straight up. I asked if that was the look he was going for. "I love it!" he replied. Alrighty then - that's all that matters :)

Meanwhile, Reagan had a loose tooth at our last dentist appointment. The dentist said that she had another tooth ready to take that spot, so, either she would need to pull it or he would need to pull it. She committed that she would pull it, but it has been several weeks. I keep reminding her, but .... 

Then, finally, one night, she just pulled it out. It may or may not have been after a discussion of what happens when the dentist pulls it out (needles and laughing gas, etc.). Anyway, it is out now and that's all that matters. Having just had our discussion about the Tooth Fairy a few weeks ago, I gave her $5 and we called it good :)

When we took our first tour of APA, the 6th grade teachers that we talked to told us about "Level 6". Basically, it is a level of achievement that 6th graders can get after several months of school have passed and they have shown their abilities to work independently. They have to read each night and I sign their Learning Plans each night verifying that we have both looked at the work due, the work done, we have read and that we have done their "fast reading" (basically they read a passage and I time them and then count the errors - they are trying to get to a faster and more accurate pace of reading out loud). Well, Reagan has done really well for the first - almost - half of the school year and  she was chosen in the first batch of students to be awarded Level 6. Yay!!!! She was so excited that she called me from the school to tell me.

Now, Reagan gets to eat in the cafeteria with the other Level 6 students (rather than in the classroom as they have done all year so far), I don't have to review and sign her learning plan each night and she  gets to write her assignments in pen.... any color pen that she wants. Plus, there are other "Level 6" advantages. Well, achieving Level 6 meant that we had to celebrate. Cole opted for a toast .... again :)

We really are SO proud of these kiddos and all that they are doing and accomplishing. They are our everything and we love them to pieces!!!! xoxoxoxo

New Year and Our Break is OVER!!!!!

I don't remember if I posted about it or not, but in the spring last year, Reagan and Cole were tiring of karate. I was having to persuade them to go and to cajole them to practice. Truth be told, they had done what I asked. Each time they had complained in the past, I told them they had to get their black belts and if they wanted to quit after that, they could. They didn't want to quit, but they didn't seem to want to go either. I spoke with our sensei and made an arrangement to come only 1 time per week. That was way less than our usual twice per week and two Saturdays a month. I intended for it to be only until school got out for the summer. Well, it lasted until school started back up. We were traveling and just so busy. So, we kept going once per week and Reagan and Cole were still whining a bit about it. Plus, this mama needed a break. So, I spoke with the sensei again in October and told him that we needed 90 days off. We would take off for the rest of the year and be back in January. He was concerned as most people that take a break don't come back. I told him that it was a possibility, but that my intention was to get through the holidays and then be back in January.

Well, we really enjoyed our break, but we were ready to go back in January. Reagan and Cole were refreshed and excited to return. Interestingly enough, each of them said that their strength had lessened. Cole mentioned that while he used to be able to do 7 or 8 pull ups, he could only do around 3 now. Reagan mentioned that she could tell that she was not as flexible or as strong as she was when we were doing karate regularly. So, January 2nd, we headed to the studio for class. Their sensei ran over and hugged them and was so excited to see them. They were excited to see him as well as their friends in class. 

I loved seeing them back in class and I was surprised how well they did after the long break. Their kicks were good (not as high as before, but we'll work on it), their forms mostly came back and their techniques mostly came back. It will take time to get back what they lost, but they are motivated and excited.

This week, we attended two classes plus a Saturday Black Belt Leadership class. Three classes in one week - whoa! 

For their Black Belt Training class, they are working with the wooden staff. For their Black Belt Leadership class, they are working with the bow staff.

I was very surprised how fast the staff forms came back to them. They rotate weapons each quarter, so, it has been over a year since they have worked with either staff. Way to go guys!!!

Cole asked me to time him in part of his bow staff form. He did great! Seriously - this was only his first week back and he rocked it. Reagan did great as well!

There is also an Extreme Training class that is on Mondays and Wednesdays. It is free for the month of January to give students a chance to check it out. Reagan and Cole loved it. Not sure we'll pay for a fourth class, but we'll see. Cole was a bit hesitant on his back tuck. He ended up doing a back handspring the first time. No worries - I know it will come back like everything else... he just has to practice.

They were doing a drill where they tried to do a flying side kick and see how many steps on the bag they could take. Most could only be in the air long enough to get one foot on the bag, but Cole was able to get two on. Yay! Reagan did well also, but was a bit more timid about jumping up high in her flying side kick. That too will come back - keep trying Reagan! They love it when their flying side kicks are strong enough to knock over the bag. Go guys!!!!

They were sore after their first few classes, but that was to be expected. They'll get it if they put in the time and I'm loving that they are back getting good exercise, practicing self discipline and doing what they enjoy!

Yep - our break is over.... We're Baaaaaack!!!!!

New Year's Eve!!!

It's New Year's Eve!!!! We went to church and came home and had dinner and then we watched a movie. 

Cole decided he wanted to stay up until midnight. First of all, I don't want to stay up until midnight and I don't want him to either - it would wreck him for days.

So, we settled on watching the ball fall in Times Square at midnight there (10pm here). Ok - deal. We had our toast (Cole insisted) around 9 and then watched the tv.

Both kiddos were REALLY tired by 10pm. They made it, but not by much. 

Within minutes after the ball dropped, we said prayers and they were in bed. Steve and I were pretty close behind them :)

What a year this 2017 has been. We are blessed beyond measure and are so grateful. We have our parents still with us and close by, other family nearby, great friends, relatively good health, a beautiful area to live in, the gospel, our freedoms, warm beds, safe cars and enough to eat. We are so grateful for the opportunities we have to worship as we please, to pursue any type of education or learning we choose, to start a business or venture, to be anything we want to be and to live tucked up against the beautiful Wasatch Mountains. We look forward to all that 2018 will bring. Happy Happy New Year!!!!!

Merry Christmas!!!!

Merry Merry Christmas!!!! The kiddos slept in until 7:30, which was great!!! Usually, they are up around 5 or 6, so, we are thankful that they slept a bit longer. As soon as they were up, we turned on the Christmas tree lights and I grabbed the camera and we headed into the family room.

They opened gifts and had a great time. We rotated through the family one by one so that everyone could participate when one of us opened a gift (that was the kiddos idea).  

Reagan and Cole gave each other gifts as well. They each LOVED the gift the other one picked out for them. Cole knew Reagan wanted this little pedicure machine and he tried to buy it at a store we visited. I already had bought it and had it tucked away. He wouldn't get the hint and kept trying to secretly buy it for Reagan. I ended up letting him buy it from me so that he could give it to her. She bought him Teddy Needs a Bath - it's basically a laundry or lingerie bag for stuffed animals. He has so many of them and has wanted this bag since we saw it on Shark Tank. They were each so aware of what the other wanted and nailed it. So sweet!

Usually, on Christmas morning, we have a brunch for Steve's girls and their families. Well, this year, Shannon offered to work for someone else, so she had to be at work at 6am. Rachel decided that their family wanted to stay home Christmas morning. That makes sense - I wouldn't necessarily want to open gifts and immediately get in the car to go to someone else's house. So, it was just our little family for brunch. I made omelettes and cinnamon rolls and fruit. We had a great breakfast and then the kiddos played and played with their toys.

At about 2pm, we headed over to Steve's parents' house. We were surprised that Mark and Robyn came. Usually, he is too susceptible to infection to be around anyone. Reagan and Cole were thrilled and insisted on a picture with them.

We stayed at Steve's parents' house for hours. We love to see Steve's sibs and their families. Cole and Reagan love to play with their cousins. As I have said before, I love to see Steve with his brothers. They are so funny - reminiscing about when they were younger, giving each other a hard time and giving their parents a hard time for whatever they could think up.

We had a great time just being with everyone.

By the time we went home, we were tired, full, and so grateful for the wonderful family we have, for this beautiful holiday where we can think of our beloved Savior and His birth and for all that our Heavenly Father has blessed us.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!!!

Merry Christmas Eve!!!!!

We had a great Christmas Eve!! We went to church and had a great meeting with music and talks. Then, we came home and Rachel and her family as well as Shannon came over for dinner, a program and a celebration. Unfortunately, April wasn't feeling well and couldn't make it and Benton was working and couldn't make it :( They were in our thoughts as we celebrated.

The kiddos played while we finished preparing dinner. Then, we ate. Then, we had our program. We had a song and a prayer and then Shannon read the story while we had Kinsey hand out the items for the story we had presented last week to the Primary children - about Santa saying "Teach the Children" about the symbols of Christmas. Then, we said what we were thankful for and then we each set goals. Shannon was a very cute note taker for our goals. Reagan said she wanted to fight with Cole less. Shannon then replied "And what does success in that are look like to you?" We just laughed - can you tell she is a rockstar team leader at Ebay? Reagan said "I'm going to try to not bug him so much." to which Shannon said "Alright - so, a 50% reduction in the annoyance factor?" Yep - you go Shanny! Cole had the same goal, so, we will see what comes of these new resolutions.

After our program, we opened presents. Cole was super excited. He had a gift that he had been given for his birthday (a remote control BB8) that he already had. He wanted to give it to Stockton. I offered to buy it from Cole and have the whole family give it to Stockton, but Cole wanted it to be just from him to Stockton. He knew that Stockton would love it and he was right.

All the kiddos (and all the adults) loved their gifts. Then, we had dessert and everyone packed up to head home for the night. Shannon - so cute - offered to work Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for different people on her team. She reasoned that her hubby has to work away from home those days, so, she would work for someone else so they could be with their family. Love her!

After everyone left, we put Reagan and Cole to bed and we started wrapping. I probably should have done more to get ready, but oh well.

By midnight, the presents were wrapped, the stockings were stuffed and we were ready to hit the sack. We are so excited for Christmas Day tomorrow :)

Last Day of School and Report Card Time

Well, with Christmas break, that marks the end of another term at school. Cole wanted to celebrate the end of the school term. (He looks for any reason to open a bottle of Martinelli's.) Plus, the kiddos brought their report cards home - all As and A+s for Reagan, all A+s for Cole. That IS something to celebrate.

Our last day of school was Tuesday. That night, we went to the Garden Restaurant with the Shapiro's - no toast. The next night, we ate at the Crimson Club room before the Ute Basketball Game - no toast. Cole was insistent that we have a toast tonight :)

These sillies always come up with some crazy thing to toast after we get done toasting the usual (health, happiness, family, etc.).

I don't mind all these toasts - I'll just keep refilling the Martinelli's holders. All As and A+s, that definitely deserves a toast. Cheers!!!!!

A Trip up to the U

We wanted to thank Bill and Pat Child for being so kind to us in Koloa. We checked with Steve's brother John who said Bill loves pies. I checked with Tammy as to what kind. We made arrangements to meet them and picked up two pies from Marie Calendars. The day we were supposed to go see them, Bill called me and offered us their University of Utah basketball tickets for that night. We were thrilled to accept. We went up and met with them - they are so sweet. We gave them the pies and a bucket of Bath and Body Works things for them. They were so kind. It was snowing like CRAZY. When we were leaving, Bill said "Wait - let me shovel this walk for you." He picked up a shovel and we just refused, saying we were just getting in our car and heading to the game. No worries. As we walked to the car, Cole said "I really want to shovel their walk for them." We agreed and sat in the car while Cole shoveled their walk. I love that he thought of this on his own and did it.

As we were driving up to the U, Steve spoke with his mom and learned that our BIL was up at Huntsman Cancer Institute (at the U) right then. Since we were headed that way, we figured we would stop by there. Reagan, Cole and I waited in the lobby while Steve went up to see Mark and Robyn. We were lucky enough to catch them as they were leaving. We got to talk with them for a few minutes and give hugs. Reagan and Cole have been so anxious to see Mark. He is in our every prayer and we keep worrying about him and about Robyn as his caretaker with her own health problems. After we saw them, we headed to the game.

The tickets were amazing. We got to park in the circle right outside the entrance to the Huntsman Center. Then, we went in to the Crimson Club room and had food before the game. They gave us drinks and popcorn for the game.

The seats were amazing!!! There was one row in front of us - we were right behind the team. It was so fun!

Every time the Utes scored a goal, the cheerleaders and drill team would come and throw shirts or jerseys to the crowd. Cole caught one right off the bat. Then, he was determined to get one for Reagan.

The Utes won - that made it even MORE fun! Reagan and Cole had a great time.... we all did.

Thanks so much Bill and Pat - we had a great night and got to see Mark and Robyn as a bonus. Go Utes!!!!

Dinner at Temple Square and the Lights

Another Christmas tradition we have is to go and have dinner at the Garden Restaurant at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and then to walk around Temple Square and look at the lights. The Garden is on the 10th floor and has a gorgeous view of Temple Square. Last year, Reagan's bestie Sophia and her mom came with us, but her dad stayed home because he had just come home from the hospital. He had a heart attack. We were so sad to not have him with us. We knew we had to do this again with ALL of us :)

There is a little sitting area outside the entrance to the Garden and it has almost floor to ceiling windows. You can see the Salt Lake Temple and all around Temple Square. Employees start putting lights in the trees in August. There are SO many lights! The whole block glows!

In the reflecting pool, there is a "floating" Nativity and there are floating lights in the water. It is so beautiful! It was really cold, but we were having a great time with our good friends.

After we spent some time at the reflecting pool, we walked around to the other side of the temple where there was a Nativity set up. There is a recording talking about the different parts of the Nativity and as the recording talks about the wise men, the wise men are lit up and as they talked about the shepherd, they would light up, etc. Then, at the end, they are all lit up and there is a recording of President Monson testifying of our Savior.

After that, the kiddos wanted to get warm for a few minutes so we ducked into the Tabernacle, hoping there would be a concert or someone performing. There wasn't, but we sat and talked for a few minutes in the warm building.

Andrea was saying that each time she had her family from Germany visiting, they tried to come and hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir practice or perform, but they couldn't get the schedules right. They are an amazing choir! We've had people in our ward who were part of the choir. It is incredible the practice and travel schedule that they have - and they are all volunteers.

Reagan was LOVING being with Sophia. Since they don't see each other at school every day, they are missing each other. It was fun to see them together.

I'm so glad that we have this tradition and that we are so close to Temple Square that we can come here whenever we want.

Merry Christmas!!!!

Our Primary Christmas Celebration

Since Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year, our Stake leadership decided we wouldn't have all 3 hours of church that day - we would only have Sacrament Meeting. That way, all 3 wards in the building could meet and be done by noon instead of having one ward be in church until their usual 4pm. That meant no Primary on Christmas Eve, so, our Primary Christmas Celebration would have to be on the 17th.

We usually dress the Children up and have our Nativity on that day as well as watch a Christmas movie and have a little party. However, since we just performed the Nativity the day before, our presidency decided we should do something else. I was asking my SIL at Thanksgiving what their ward Primary was doing. She said they had made scarves for all of the children and that they were going to go caroling around the church building. What a great idea!!! So, we stole that idea and gathered all the Santa and elf hats that we had, grabbed battery operated candles and we took our Primary children caroling.

We had a "practice" by singing for the ladies in the library :)

Then, we went to Relief Society where the ladies were having a lesson. I had coordinated with all of the heads of the other auxiliaries beforehand, so, they knew we were coming.

Next, we caroled for the Young Men.

Then, for the Young Women.

As we were heading over to where Priesthood meets, we saw Pete Peterson. His wife, Margie, has dementia and sometimes, she tries to leave Relief Society and walk out of the building. The sisters try to stop her, but sometimes they can't. He was sitting in the gym which is right outside the Relief Society room. I assume he was waiting there in case Margie tried to walk out. What a great hubby. He takes such good care of her. So, he was just sitting there alone. I figured we HAD to carol to him, right? So we did.

Then, we went to High Priests where Steve was. The sweet brother who was teaching High Priests said "How am I supposed to teach a lesson after that? You guys are the highlight!" So kind.

Then, we went to Elder's Quorum. We figured that was our last stop. However, as we were walking back to the Primary room, we passed Nursery and figured we would finish up there. The little ones in Nursery (18 months - 3 years) just looked up at these "big" kids singing. It was so cute!

We watched a few inspirational videos that the church had put out about Christmas and a couple of music videos with scenes from Christ's birth and his life. We also had honey sandwiches, chocolate milk and cookies.

We also had a story about Santa telling a man to teach the children about the symbols of Christmas and about the Savior. It talked about the symbol of the star and the wreath and the presents and the evergreen tree and the candle and the bell and the candy cane and others. We gave each child a bag and as we read the story about each of the symbols, we gave them one. We gave them a bow and a piece of garland, a candle and a bell and a little wreath and then we gave them a copy of the story we read so that they can make it a Christmas tradition in their home if they want to. Finally, we gave them each a little stained glass temple and a bag of candy.

I think it all went well - the other auxiliaries seemed to love having the children come caroling and, for the most part, the children were reverent as we walked the halls of the church. Yay - it's Christmas!!!!