New Talent

I want to develop a new talent.  The talent of being a mother.  My friend Keli spoke at our Relief Society birthday party last night and she gave me that inspiration.  So many times we focus on developing outward talents like singing, piano, cooking, painting, sports, scrapbooking and so forth.  I never thought that being a mother could qualify as a talent.  Being a piano teacher, I have learned something from my students over the years.  Talents are gifts.  Gifts that if nurtured will grow and develop into something great.  As my students commit themselves, focus, practice and put time and effort into the piano, their gift (or talent) grows.  Lately I have felt that so much of my commitment, focus, time and energy has been on other things.  I want to refocus that effort into my family and work on the talent of being a mother.  Having been given the gift of Motherhood, I want to develop that into one of my greatest talents.  I know it will take time, effort, patience and long suffering, but, I know the reward will be great.  This is my calling, my gift, and I want to give it my best. 

Kath in the Hat

Oh, the things you do when you're in the PTA!

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Love is in the Air

With my camera this week I have captured pictures of things I love. Small things, big things, silly and weird things. I found that love is shown and given in the smallest and simplest ways. As I started to look for love I found it everywhere. Life became more sweet and I was reminded of all of my blessings. Here are a few of my favorite 'love moments' from this past week.....................

I love secret notes found on my bed


Attached to the note were these two bags. Pretty sure it's from Lauren (can you tell they have been counting and sorting at school recently?). I have no idea where she got that money :)

I love that Cody still takes a nap.

I love to make cookies and decorate them with the kids. I love to eat them even more!

I love that Lauren painted my toenails.

I love my lunch date each week with my awesome sister(and mom when she's in town). It is great therapy.

I love getting flowers.


I love that Connor and Caleb wear their bike helmets to play football.


I love that the kids huddle over the heat vent in the mornings.


I love that Cody has to put on "wet dog 'odorant" after he gets out of the shower. (If you don't know what this is......watch Monsters Inc.)


I love this guy. My man. My best friend. My love.

The most special

"As we strive to remember our Savior, our desire to live like Him will grow. It is no coincidence that Christmas is the time of the year when people are the most loving, the most giving, the most kind, and the most grateful."

- President Monson

Of any Christmas that I can remember, this year was the most special. Our focus was not on the shopping, the gifts, the hustle and bustle. Our focus was on family, friends, neighbors, time together and most of all, our Savior. Our hearts seemed changed and our gratitude was overflowing. We truly felt the love of our Savior and the hand of the Lord in our lives. We genuinely felt the spirit of what Christmas is all about.

All I want for Christmas...

Here Comes Santa

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, right down Gleneagles Drive

We have the most awesome neighbors, who, instead of doing 'neighbor gifts' have Santa visit their backyard playhouse. They invite the whole neighborhood and serve cookies and hot chocolate. This is one of the highlights of our Christmas season. I am afraid, however, that Connor might be getting a little too old for this. Lauren still loves it. And for the first time in his life, Cody finally sat on Santa's lap (and didn't cry or kick or scream or run away).

New Home Remedy

As I stumbled upon this "situation" in the kitchen, before I could say anything, I was informed by Cody that..........
"Mom, sugar cures my hiccups."

Hmmmmmm.....Really?

blogathon

So, when your friend calls to check on you to make sure you're okay because it's been so long since you've updated your blog.........it's time to update your blog! The last few months have been crazy,and yes I'll admit, the blog has been neglected. But neglect no more! I'm trying to catch up and stay current. Let the blogathon begin.

Blue Blood

It's official. Connor has blue blood. Here is the picture to prove it.

Connor went to the BYU vs. Air Force football game with his Grandpa Rick. He looks forward to his annual football day with Grandpa all year long. Connor has turned into quite the 'super fan'. He now knows the BYU fight song, has learned all the plays, knows all the players names and even has his own jersey. He is already looking forward to next year.

Giving Thanks

With the tough year we have had, Thanksgiving this year was a great time for us to focus on our blessings. We started a 'Thankful Tree' to help us remember our blessings throughout the month. It was nice to focus and remember all that we have been blessed with. Thanksgiving day was with my parents this year. My mom outdid herself with a wonderful thanksgiving feast. Of all of our blessings, it was unanimous that our greatest blessing is family.

Derby Time!

What is every cub scouts favorite time of year?? Pinewood Derby Night!! We enjoy doing this night every year. This was Connor's 3rd derby which just happened to be on his birthday. Connor's car won the 'Best Craftsmanship' award. He won 4th place overall.

Getaway

In November, Tony and I celebrated a dozen years of marriage. As is our tradition, instead of gifts we go and do something together. We decided to head south to St.George for a weekend getaway. We had three days to ourselves. No kids. No laundry. No work. No stress. It was WONDERFUL!!! A much needed getaway for both of us. The highlight of our trip was the day we spent in Zions National Park. We hiked the whole day and had such a great time. The leaves were all changing which made for some gorgeous scenery and great photos.

Our favorite new hike, Hidden Canyon, was quite an adventure with......

...steep rock stairways

....cliff climbing with chains to help guide your way

....chiseled stairs up rock faces

...and a hidden arch surprise!!

Here's to a dozen more wonderful years!