Happy 9th Birthday Christen!

Christen and her friends - she decided that she wanted ice cream sundaes instaed of a cake this year - although Denise ended us sharing some of her cake on their actual birthday. We took
the girls bowling and they had a great time. On the actual day of her birthday - the 25th I got her out of school just a bit early and got a drink at Sonic. Then we went home and Grandma and Grandpa were waiting there for her. They gave her a musical jewelry box and jewelry - which she LOVES. Speaking of jewelry, she has a boy that is a friend from school who actually gave her some jewelery for her birthday. I wasn't quite sure what to think but I guess it is fairly harmless.

Later in the evening we met our friends, Dave and Denise at Red Robin for dinner. This has become a tradition. Denise has the same birthday, which makes it extra fun!

I was relly happy that she had a great birthday and a great time with her friends, but i was also a little sad that my little girl is growing up!! It seems ok for the boys to get older - but not her!! SIGH!!

Just today she and I had a special day together. Todd and the boys were at the scout Klonderee (post to come) so we went shopping, got lunch, and then went to the play "Annie" that some of our friends were in. It was nice.

School Sock Hop

Todd and I took Christen and her friend Emma to the school Sock Hop Fundraiser. They had a great time and Todd danced with both the girls - as well as me. Christen was in a group that performed a dance for everyone to "Rock Around the Clock"

Stake Sweetheart Ball

Shutterfly View Shared Pictures: "405.JPG"

Im not sure how to save these pics to my computer- but you can follow the link. We had a great time!

A wonderful surprise

You have been hartatact! (heartattacked)

This past week I have been pretty stressed out and a bit depressed I must say. A lot going on with the kids, my calling, kids school, life, church etc etc. So - Thursday was especially bad. I was a mess. Finally, at noon I decided I better pick myself up out of my doldrums and go shower. I headed up to my room and much to my surprise the bed was already made and Todd and I had had an early Valentines gift! My sweet, almost 9 year old daughter!!!! How adorable is that -- see above 2 lower pictures?!!

She had just been to Activity Day Girls the previous night and must have learned it there. I love it! I have been so wrapped up in my boys' scouts for so long that I really havent taken the time to appreciate what Christen is learning and doing in Activity Day Girls. Its more than just doing a valentines surprise - or making a prayer rock for the first time. She is learning the articles of faith, service, scriptures, music, prayer and much more --- aspects of the gospel that she will use the rest of her life.

I am thinking I want to be an Activity Day Girl Leader - in the ward - or at least be over the Activity Day Girls in my Stake Primary Presidency. (Scout stuff has been very draining on me of late. It is not the part with the boys or my sons' activities - its just all of the adminitatrative stuff in my calling that has been bogging me down)

Anyhow, thank you sweet Christen! You made my day!!!

I had to reciprocate of course - top photo - I couldnt move it down.

Christen the astronaut

Christen had a book report on an explorer. She chose Sally Ride. It was pretty interesting for her to learn a lot of new things about the first American woman in space. It was even better when we realized that Brandon's friend Christian had an astronaut costume!! She practiced talking loud enough for her oral report and did fabulous and got an A! (Misty wants to be the first Westie in space!)

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!!