Getting Ready

Bryce will turn 8 this year. He had his Baptism Preview tonight...and he came home just so happy and feeling special. I could just tell by the smile on his face that he was feeling really excited in that "spiritual excitement" kind of way. I'm so glad.

For this past year, he's really worked on preparing himself. Where once he wouldn't even say a family prayer beyond a meal prayer (because he knew what to say and didn't have to think about it)...now he'll say family prayers with sincerity, he'll participate and sing when we are singing church songs, he's really starting to be a part of it...and it's because he's wanted it...he's wanted to prepare for baptism. I couldn't be more proud. This June/July, he'll be getting baptized and I really think he's as ready as he can be. I'm so proud of him (have I already said that?).

Christmas 2009

We've had a really nice Christmas. Children and family really make the season bright. Below are some pictures of our happenings!

This was taken after Christmas Sunday in their Sunday-best. (Bryce was already in his comfy-coozy's by the time I wanted to take the picture.) Good lookin' kids!

PJs that Grandparents Mac gave us. The kids could hardly wait for Christmas-Eve to wear them! FINALLY!!

Fun at Bass Pro Shop's Outdoor World for FHE the Monday before Christmas. We had so much fun there--the kids LOVED it!!!

All in all a fabulous Christmas. I couldn't be more grateful for the fabulous family I'm a part of.
Merry Christmas to you all!

Breakfast with Santa

Our last horra as a primary presidency (we were release about 4 weeks ago) was this Primary Breakfast with Santa. This was the kids' time for a church Christmas party, since our ward decided to do an "adult Christmas party." We had a lot of fun planning this. I've really enjoyed working with the ladies in Primary. I already miss that connection. Anyhow, the Breakfast with Santa went really well. The decorations came together so nicely, and it all looked great. The breakfast went smoothly and the activities were great. We had a nice lady from the ward take pictures of the kids with Santa. They turned out great...although Kyle wouldn't look at the camera! The activity was WELL attended and fun. So glad. Yay!

School Pictures 2009

Every year, I've been assembling the kids' pictures into a collage. I love grouping them together...and then I enjoy seeing years past and how they've grown and changed. It's so fun watching these wonderful children grow...though, I wish it wouldn't go so quickly!

Christmas Recital 2009

I'm a proud Mom. Why wouldn't I be. My daughter is doing so well on the piano, and she is just a light in our lives--in our home and family! I have wonderful children, and when I get the chance to brag, I'm going to! Isn't that what parents are supposed to do? I feel like Kathy Lee Gifford bragging about her children Cody and ??? on TV, but now, I get it!

Isabel had her Christmas recital today. It was great--she nailed her songs and did a great job. She got a haircut today, and she was excited and I could tell that she felt pretty. Enjoy the music!

CLICK HERE FOR: Performance of Rudolf

CLICK HERE FOR: Performance of SugarPlum Fairy Duet

Halloween & The Loot

We've had a great Halloween. Parties, parties, recital, and trick-or-treating. NOW--the LOOT! The kids had a great time! It was a fabulous night for it too--who would have thought that after a week of snow being dumped on us, 3 snow days--that we would have a beautiful night for trick-or-treating...but we did!! The kids had so much fun. We put a few layers on UNDER their costumes, they wore hats, and off they went. They were plenty warm as it was so nice out. They came home happy, and bags heavy with candy. Halloween 2009=SUCCESS!!

(Isabel...thanks to Grandma and her costume making...had 3 different costumes this year....1 for our ward trunk-or-treat (Vampire), one for a birthday Halloween party (Mermaid), and one for her recital and trick-or-treating (Mulan/Geisha). WOW!)

Recital

Isabel had a piano recital today--ON HALLOWEEN! It was a lot of fun and most of the kids played something that was a bit spooky, and dressed up. Isabel played "Square Dance and Hoe Down"--and wore a kimono. She looked GREAT...and did a very nice job.

Grandma Mack--we received MANY compliments on the beautiful costume!!

Click on the link below to see Isabel's Recital!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5AyHSVnROU

More Halloween Pictures to follow....