Playing With Dad

Troy is such a good dad! How many men do you know that would play fairies with the pop-up fairy house? My kids are so lucky. Listening to their conversations while they are playing is priceless, Troy will even play the part of a princess. Anything for his little girl.

Pirate Day!

Today was Pirate Day for the Park Elementary 2nd graders. They have been learning about pirates all week. Ethan has loved it, except for the part of trying pirate food. They tried "hard tack" made out of wheat and oats, and some fruit. They all had to choose a pirate name. He chose the name of "Lewis" for himself, hoping to find someone else to choose "Clark" so they could be "Lewis & Clark" but that didn't quite work out for him. When we were washing his face he informed me that pirates NEVER combed their hair and so we didn't have to comb his today.

Discovering a Long Lost Treasure

When the boys were little, and couldn't read yet, I used to read them the series of "Hank the Cow Dog" books. Or sometimes we would listen to them on tape while driving. The books were really funny and the boys loved them. Ethan discovered a "Hank the Cow Dog" book in his classroom and was so excited to read it. I was surprised that Ethan remembered them, he was only 2 or 3 when we read them, but he had a great time reading it by himself.

Grinding Wheat

As part of our Family Home Evening we pulled out the wheat grinder and ground some wheat. The kids were fascinated by it, they couldn't believe that flour came from the wheat kernels. As an added bonus the bread made from the flour was a big hit. The loaf was gone as soon as it was baked.

Just Like a Scene Out Of a Movie

Our home teachers came over tonight. It was great to have them, we haven't had home teachers for quite awhile. We are hoping that they will come back after they witnessed the circus that was our home. Maya hadn't had a nap and she was running wild and crazy. It is hard to believe, but Alex and Ethan were pretty talkative, which led to our embarrassing moment. Somehow we got talking about spanking. Ethan offers that he gets spanked (when pressed about this he can't remember when, possibly a year ago), but he also offers that he witnesses Dad spank Mom at least every week! There was a sudden red glow coming from almost everyone in the room. Dad will probably be a lot more careful about who is around when he gives his love pats from now on.

A Quiet Friday Night

We LOVE our Friday nights at home. Tonight we all just relaxed and did whatever we wanted to do. Ethan chose to spend his time on the Wii, Dad did odds and ends, and Alex, Maya, and Mom played a few games. This picture is of Alex working on the stacking cups (with Maya's help).

Alex Learns to Sew!

Alex has had a class this semester called FACS (Family and Consumer Science). He has learned many things, one of which is to sew. This is a picture of the hat that he made. He sewed the words "Big Al" onto it. He didn't think he was going to get it done, but he was determined and did it!

Making Rolls

This year Mom is determined to figure out a great dinner roll recipe. Today Maya helped, and they turned out great. She loves to check on the dough to make sure it is rising, and punching it down is always fun.

Jackson Hole

Troy called on Friday morning to see how spontaneous we felt. We left on Friday afternoon to go to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for the weekend with Grandpa and Grandma Dahl. It was good to get away for a few days. It was REALLY cold. Unfortunately we discovered that there wasn't a lot for the kids to do there, at least this time of the year. We did see a lot of pretty scenery and animals. Maya wasn't sure what to think of the whole thing. It was her first night away from home in her whole life. Everyone was glad to get home to their own beds.

"You're Gonna Miss This"

You're gonna miss this

You're gonna want this back

You're gonna wish these days

Hadn't gone by so fast

These are some good times

Take a good look around

You may not know it now

But you're gonna miss this

These song lyrics have really been on my mind today. What sweet kids I have.

After School

Alex has to have his time to unwind after school. He always grabs a glass of milk, a snack, and the newspaper. He likes to read the funnies (and his and Mom's horoscope). Today when he opened the door coming home from school he just said, "Oh, home!" That makes me so happy that he knows our home is a refuge from the world.

Family Night!

Our Family Home Evening tonight involved writing thank you cards for Christmas gifts, and working on Faith in God, Duty to God, and Scouting.

Then we all played Uno Attack! and had ice cream sandwiches.

Even if Maya isn't assigned the song she usually gets us to sing a verse or two of her favorite song. Tonight it was "Old MacDonald" with a dog for the animal.

A Few Adventures

We went in different directions today. Dad and Alex went rabbit hunting with the Reed men, Mom and Ethan went to see a movie, and Maya stayed with Grandpa and Grandma Dahl.

We all had a good time. Ethan and Mom discovered just how good popcorn is sprinkled with chocolate marshmallow powder topping and Milk Duds dropped in, Maya discovered how good Grandpa Dahl's grilled cheese sandwiches are, and Alex and Dad discovered that rabbit hunting all day in January can make you very tired and cold!

Finally, A Sunny Day!

We woke up to sunshine today, and everything looks so beautiful. This is the view out our front door. Maya had so much fun shopping yesterday, that this morning she said, "Let's go shopping again. This time let's go over that mountain and go and go and go!" Maybe she needs to get out a little more.

An Unexpected Development

Tonight Troy and the kids were in a little accident. Nothing serious, thank goodness, everyone is fine. Our truck will be out of commission for a little while, but we are counting our blessings that all of the bad things that could have happened, didn't.

Shopping

Today Maya and Mom went shopping! It was the first time that Maya had been to town since mid-December. She was very adamant that this time when she went shopping she was NOT going to ride in the cart, she was going to walk. She did pretty good, and walked in 4 of the 5 stores.

Piano Lessons Begin

Ethan started piano lessons again today. He is so excited! Jennifer Campbell is his new teacher, and she lives right down the road from us, which makes it really nice for Mom.

The Cosby Show

For Christmas our family received season one of "The Cosby Show." The kids have LOVED it! We love watching it with them and hearing them laugh. Maya wants to watch it all of the time.

Back to School!

The boys went back to school today. They had more than 2 weeks off and it was very sad to see them go. We had such a fun Christmas break. We spent a lot of time just being together and being at home. Troy had strep throat for some of the time, but I guess that is one way to ensure that he stays home and takes it easy!

A Year in the Life...

This blog will be our family's journal for the year 2009. We will try to post something everyday to help us remember all of the great times, challenges, and blessings that we enjoy.