Teacher Appreciation week

I got recruited to help with Savannah's teachers' door this year for teacher appreciation week by the fill-in room mother. We actually borrowed this idea from another website, but were really proud of the way ours turned out. I hope Mrs. Fisher and Mrs. Elliott liked it.

I'm hoping next year to be more involved in school events. The twins kind of put that goal on hold this year. I have realized that I LOVE being in the school and being a part of the events that go on there. I have started to seriously consider finishing my degree in Elementary Education {gasp!} when I am able to return to school. I'm thinking I would love to teach the 4th or 5th grades. Anyone care to talk me out of it?

And now for the out-takes!

Scott's favorite photos of the kids are always the ones that show the precious, spirited little darlings they really are, rather than the ones we (I) like to think of our kids as {giggle}. Well, these are some of his favorites because this is our brood, in all their hyperactive glory!

That's not what I had in mind for a smile, Savannah!

Now it's Irelynd's turn...

I was trying desperately to make everyone look in the same direction and smile. At least one person found me funny. Maybe because we have the same sense of humor...

Notice Irelynd's subtle eyes at Savannah. And all through everyone's acting up, Waverly is just content to play with and suck the life out of her flower.

There are at least a few people that have had it...Savannah's exasperated and Keaton is not liking the grass.

In desperation to get Keaton to be content and stop screaming, we gave him a stray bottle lid from the grass. "Here Keaton, suck on this piece of trash that's been here since last summer, that may or may not have been peed on by some stray dog, and may or may not get lodged in your throat and require a pounding thrust to your back while positioned upside down on my arm, all for the sake of a family picture..."

And there goes Irelynd while Savannah goes loco! At least Brighton stayed put!

Irelynd may be a little exasperated with Brighton. Notice how both girls have his hands in theirs? That was more than just a loving gesture. Human manacles is closer to the truth.

Houston, we have a problem and his name is Brighton... Maybe we should call it a day...

Finally a complete family photo!

We finally got everyone together, dressed matching, and awake at the same time (gasp!) and shot some family photos. These are the best of them. It looks like a lot of kids when you line them all up together! No wonder I'm so exhausted! But we are grateful for every one of them and wouldn't trade any of them in for, say, a beach-front condo that looks over the ocean on a private beach in Maui, nosiree...well, ok, maybe just one or two...

Megan's 18th birthday Barbie goes to Vegas party

My neice Megan turned eighteen this month and we threw her a Barbie party, Vegas style. After Irelynd's Barbie birthday party last year, Megan jokingly asked me to throw her a Barbie party for her next birthday. I said ok, and we have joked about it ever since. My other neice, Brooke, Megan's little sister, told my sister Michelle about the party, and she flew in for it from California, and talked my other sister into driving over from Cheyenne, and another neice up from St. George. If not for the snow, we would've been joined by a brother from CO. We had a blast! We all came as Barbie or Ken, and had a Poker-themed party, then went into the dining room for a Barbie pink-themed dinner of lasagna, salad, and garlic bread. What a fun night! It was so great to see my sisters again after almost a year, and be silly. My sister Patti discovered a new favorite store in Zurchers. She was like a kid in Disneyland. I know the feeling. Anyone that thinks I'm a freak when it comes to parties should meet her. I'm not worthy to hold the hem of her gown. It's almost worth moving to Cheyenne to party with her...almost. Scott was a great sport and played Candy, the Southern, bearded bar maid. Love ya, Hon, but you make one UGLY woman!

Beach Bum Ken and Punk Rock Barbie

Malibu Barbie and Ken.

Savannah, as Hannah Montana Barbie, Brooke as Retro Barbie, Megan as 80's workout Barbie, and Spencer as Karate Ken.

Savannah is such a ham. She kept posing as the cameras snapped.

The Cake, made by Moi.

My sisters Patti and Michelle went all out, and had fun putting together the party.

Candy. Ooh la la! Dontcha just want to stroke that red beard of hers?? If I'm not mistaken, I think she's making eyes at me!

My sisters (minus one)--Patti, Michelle, Julie, me.














So, as the cake was about to be cut, my brother-in-law Kevin (Megan's dad) wanted to know "who gets to lick off Barbie?" Here's Megan's and Julie's reaction to his next statement of "I'll pay $100 for it!"

Here he is, about to do the clean-off, but chickens out under the scrutiny

Although there was no alcohol involved, we all got a HUGE kick out of this party prop. Everyone took a turn, even Brighton. Here he is, trying to follow my instructions of "put your head in the hole." Looks a bit like giving birth, doesn't it?

Man, I wish those eyelashes were real! I'd pay $100 for that! Forget licking off the decapitated plastic doll!

Where's the other 6?

We found we have a Dwarf living with us, and he greatly resembles Brighton. His name is Dopey. He gave us a good possible idea for a family Halloween costume. Maybe he can tell us where to find Sneezy, Grumpy, Happy, Bashful, Sleepy, and Doc.

More hunting

We were invited to a neighborhood egg hunt in another cul-de-sac in our ward. One can never have too much candy, can one? The kids enjoyed the additional sugar and sociality. I wish I could say I enjoyed myself, but I am so shy, these unstructured events leave me feeling socially naked. Savannah didn't get her natural confidence from me!

Irelynd was excited to find bubbles in one of her eggs.

Brighton found all his eggs and then sat down on the curb with all the other little boys, as if he knew instinctively that he belonged there. He made a new friend with a little boy in his nursery class. It amuses me to see kids' social development emerge.

Brighton and Luke Ahrens. Maybe he's attracted to the red hair. Looks like they are negotiating a trade.

Ah, Mom, all the pictures are embarrassing me!

Hunting Season begins

We got really lucky, and had a beautiful day for Easter. It rained and was windy the day before, and 2 days later.

Brighton prepares for battle...

The eager line-up at the door.

Due to the warm, sunny weather, all the chocolate in the eggs melted. The kids all put their baskets to chill in the fridge. It looked funny to me to open up the fridge and see all the baskets in there.

Blooming Beauties

We got blessed with two beautiful girls. They are changing and growing right before our eyes. We get asked frequently if they are twins. They look nothing alike, to my mother's eyes, but I suppose to the untrained observer they look very similar. Personality-wise, they are very different as well. Savannah will gab your ear off all day--you don't even have to fake a listening ear really. Irelynd is quieter, more content to entertain herself and loves to create things. Savannah's main goal in life is to have fun. She's outgoing and energetic, and so confident. Irelynd is sensitive and caring and very loving. They are great friends, most of the time, and crack us up with the story lines they invent. I am so thankful for my two daughters. As my mom always said, "they are the jewells in my crown."

More Easter...

My favorite men. This is the only way I could get Brighton to sit for a picture.

I love spring and fall pictures. The light is always so amazing!