Confession

So, here it is. I am a former teacher. Education is my thing. I love learning and teaching and because of that I should embrace everything that goes with it. So why does my stomach literally churn when the kids bring home big projects?

And so it was, last week, Jake came home all excited about the 4th Grade Invention Convention. Jake had several ideas he was toying with for the convention. A time travel machine. A baseball embedded with an electronic device that could measure how far a ball was hit. A waterproof laptop bag. A gadget that could control people's minds. I thought it might be a good idea to invent a device that would make his mom love school projects.

We settled on this invention instead:

Springo-Shoes

They help you jump higher and get those hard-to-reach things on the top shelf.

Okay, not the most original idea, but certainly do-able. Happily we finished the project a day ahead of schedule and I can cannot tell you the glee that consumed me when it was done! Now we just have to figure out how to get the springs out of his shoes so he can wear them again - ha! (Jake actually loathes these shoes even more than I loathe school projects, so I think getting new ones will be just fine with him!)

And I have to admit, I was really impressed with Jake on this. He really thought it through. He typed most of it out and did some pretty cool graphics for his display board. And it was fun to work together as a family to create this super fantastic invention. And even though this might not be my favorite thing to do, at the end of the day, hey, I have my dream job! I count it an honor to be the mom of the 3 most spectacular kids in the entire universe!

New Year's 2008

We rang in the New Year with some friends of ours. As you can tell from this picture, Patrick thought the party was a little dull (we were, after all, playing games) and he was having a hard time staying awake. Jon was captured here trying to "kiss up" to Riley (they had "exchanged words" during the game - something about the girls being right and they boys being wrong...). This picture was taken by Tyler the Great just before midnight.
By the way Happy Birthday Jon!

Jake's wide-eyed and ready to party. Break out the Sparkling Cider!

In truth, I have no idea what was going on with these two all night. Riley and I were both trying to sneak in and see what they were doing in this closet, but they were on to us. I asked Breanna the next day what she and Dylan did. She flashed a big ole smile, then quickly said, "Oh nothing, we were just playing Starwars". No secrets here. Luke loves Brittany. She took care of him all night and even sang him ABC's and put him to bed. Brittany, you rock!

After the adults finished their Rock Band jam session, the boys took over. Sadly, these boys could out rock me any day as Rock Band has taught me that I have no rock whatsoever in me! I stink! Jeromy on the other hand could easily get a record deal. He's a stud.
Tyler, Riley and Kathleen: Their first picture of '09.

New Year's Day, we took a little hike towards Gavilan Peak. Hiking with Luke these days is complicated. He's too heavy to carry and he's too slow to walk. So we didn't make it too far but we had a good time. Such a beautiful day and great start to 2009!!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Christmas 2008

Christmas Morning

Yay!! Mom and Dad finally got out of bed!!! Let's get to it!

Pixos and Bree. Both look harmless, but open them up and watch out!

Jer and Luke opening up a present
from our friends.
How come everyone got cool toys and all I got was this stinkin' hat and mittens??

Jake and Bree are both bookworms, so they bought each other books for Christmas this year. Nice pick!

This has to be my favorite picture of the day. Looks like Jake just got his first pair of pants ever!
Beautiful Bree getting one of the top items on her list...a Webkinz which she named 'Little Love'.
Luke loved Breanna's Baby Alive. Actually he loved her bottle most of all. Funny Luke! We have since found Luke soaking wet because he fed Baby Alive sans diaper. Now, that's just how accidents happen!

We spent the rest of the day relaxing and playing with our new toys. We got a Wii Fit and after doing a series of balance tests, the Wii told me I had a Wii Fit age of 51. Jeromy was 49. We're just two old farts!

We did get a fun surprise that day. Later in the afternoon, our NY friends stopped in for a visit on their way down to Gilbert/Chandler. It was great to see them and their family!

We hope you all had a Wonderful Christmas too!

Pre-Christmas Fun

This year we started the holidays off with Christmas Caroling with our friends. It was actually a ward activity (we have an awesome activities chairperson in our ward) and it turned out to be really fun. The next highlight of the season was a visit from Troy, Tiffany, Makayla, and Grandma and Grandpa. I was pretty impressed when Grandpa hoisted Jake up on his shoulders. Then he proceeded to tickle his feet. Jake was laughing and squirming so much, I thought Grandpa would break something trying to keep Jake up there.
The guys went to a BYU basketball game while us girls stayed home and finished this 550 piece puzzle. It only took us all day. It was kind of a headache and addicting all in one!

We took the kids outside (Luke's favorite place) for a little swing-time. It was chilly!!

Luke was stuck like glue to Grandma. He was pretty bent about having to share her with Makayla, but they ended up getting along just fine!

We went on a little outing to nearby Indian Ruins. Pretty interesting place. The kids loved being outside!

Tree climbing is always a part of any hike that we take. Especially with Uncle Troy...Giddy-up!

Tiffany, Makayla, Grandma and Troy overlooking the well.

Breanna and Troy sneak a peek at the ancient ruin.

Back at home, making gingerbread (okay, graham cracker) houses with Grandma! Even though they had to leave before Christmas, we were so glad they got to come!