Happy Birthday to ME!!

I was very spoiled that year! Lots of Facebook bday wishes (loving that!), many calls from dear friends and family and lots of fun and FOOD. Too much food actually - but hey - I indulged. Probably should have been more careful but it was great. Lets see how many "out to eats" ...? 5 FIVE!! Craziness. Fun times though. Also saw two movies - Extraordinary Measures - I would highly recommend - and Leapyear - cute, but not a buyer for me.

Most of my gift receiving I will get during spring break when Brandon and I travel to Washington DC to visit our great friends the Ahlstroms - and DC. We hope to see Roger (Todd's brother) and Andrea as well. CANT WAIT!!!

Stake Priesthood Preview

Early in January our Stake Primary and Stk Presidency- put on the first Stake Priesthood Preview. Usually this is done on the ward level. We as a Stk Primary Presidency we in charge of the set up, music - thanks Olivia, decorating - thanks Sarah and the food. The priesthood gave the talks. It turned out very well and was a big hit. Above are pictures from our ward boys minus Colin - not there. Pres and Sister Haycocks brisket was wonderful!! The ladies and I did a big Sams club run that day for everything else. I later invested in a Costco card so I can help with the purchases of these events. (turning in receipts for sure)

Anyhow, it went really well and the boys were attentive and well mannered. I cant believ that Trevor will be a Deacon the end of June!! Watch out!! I love that kid!!

A few funnies

I just posted this on facebook but I wanted to write this down here--

The other day Brandon mentioned that the high school band may go to Ireland. -not sure about that - but anyway -- I said that that is where Grandpa served his mission. Trevor said, " I thought that Grandpa went to South Africa with Grandma. I said, " Yes, but when he was 19 he went to Ireland." Trevor asked, " Grandpa was 19???"

We were talking about the fact that Brandon wants to be an illustrator and then Christen said, " I want to be a Cold Stone worker!!" I also reminded Brandon that we are counting on the fact that he had wanted to work at Papa Murphys as a teenager!!

First Dance

Last night Brandon went to his first Stake Dance!! I wasnt sure how he would take it or how he would feel - but he had a great time!! He had skipped the New Years dance because none of his buddies were going - and I wasnt going to push the issue. Yesterday there was an EFY conference and dance afterwards. His friend Noah stayed with him. There were a group of girls from our ward who stayed. They all had blast together dancing in a group. Noah's sister Amanda even gave a dedication song - YMCA to the boys and two others first dance. --OK now Brandon knows that I am writing -- I told him - hey - its not on facebook!! -- anyhow there are no pics because we certainly werent there - but our bishop made sure that he got a good start!

thats all for now - Brandon is mad that I am posting this!

Fun with friends - and dogs

We just love our neighbors!! We have so enjoyed their company so much this year, Part of the fun about being friends with Dave and Denise is also being friends with their dogs Angus and Tyler! They have an annual bday party -this year on Christmas eve afternoon where we exchanged our people presesnts and the dogs had bday snacks. Angus also got a manacure from our family as a little joke. I know the whole thing is crazy - but fun.

A few of these pics are from when we went out as families - us, Dave and Denise and also with Jeff and Kris and their boys.

Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas. It was great to have my mom stay for 2 weeks. We all had fun spending time with her. It was especially fun to play games and bake and make honey candy with her. We also had a fun suprise visit from Todd's brother and his family after Christmas. The cousins had a great time hanging out, sledding and rock climbing together. We also had our traditional sleep by the Christmas tree on the 23rd - (we are all getting too big for our little front room!) and Nativity play Dec 24th with Todds parents and the missionaries and neighbor friends.

Mainly it was nice to relax and enjoy the spirit of the season. We were also very blessed that Todd was able to take the week off before Christmas from work. That is a rare occurrence - but it looks like he may have it off for next year too.

Eagle Court of Honor

December 16th we finally had Brandon's Eagle Court of Honor. It was held in the chapel so I didnt get all of the pictures that I wanted, but it was really nice! It was a was a wonderful ceremony and so exciting to see him receive this great honor.