Happy 9 months to Avery!

Avery's new toy. Cost me a whopping $.25.

Quote of the Day

Chase: "Jesus is invisible in the dark, huh mama, and in the day he's white...but only on our planet."

Someone sure loves his little sister!

Piano Recital

Hailey had her first piano recital tonight. She was nervous, but did SO well. I love this first video because she realized that she was in the wrong position, changed where her hands were, then started over. Calm, cool, collected. Great job Hailey!

Salon Time!

This is what happens when Chase goes with me to get my hair done.

Check out this hooded towel I made last night!

Love it when they tucker themselves out while playing!

Bath Time

Chase: Mom, I found something in the bath.

Me: Oh yeah?

Chase: Yeah, it's a booger. I'm trying to catch it.

Me: Uh...Ok, let me know when you get it.

Chase: I can't it just splitted up.

Me: It split up?

Chase: Yes. I can't find the big one.

Me: Ok, then just finish up and get out.

Chase: And let it go down the drain? Won't the water come back up?

Me: No, Chase. It will just go down.

Chase: So only toilets it does that?

Me: Uh, yes Chase.

Chase: Ok. Can you come drain the water for me?

Me: (Ewww!) Uh, no, you can pull the plug.

7 months old today!

Respect

Sometimes it takes someone else to make me realize how special my own kids are, and how well behaved they are. (most of the time) I was at the orthodontist with Rion listening to a conversation next to us. The daughter was very rude to her mother, saying how she didn't want to wear her rubber bands to help her braces do what they needed to do. When the mother replied, "But if you don't wear them, then you'll have to have the wire," the daughter did a high pitched, "I don't WANT to wear the wire." I looked at Rion and his easy going nature and just smiled. I really do have good kids who are mostly agreeable. I'm so grateful for that and for the respect that they have for us as parents.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Valentine's Day Dinner

Nothing like a big steak and lobster for Valentine's Day Dinner!

Complete with a yummy smoothie. MMMmmmm.

Happy Birthday Hailey!

Happy 8th Birthday Miss Hailey!

Hailey's Birthday Present

With Hailey turning 8 this year, we decided it was time to get her ears pierced. She was so excited to do it the day before her birthday (as a surprise) during Family Home Evening.

Such a happy girl! I love the look of relief after the first earring was put in! Enjoy the earrings Miss Hailey!

Resin Board Tutorial

I've had a lot of questions lately about these boards, so I decided to do a little tutorial. Here is a list of things you will need:

1. picture (this one was from the 2010 calendar)
2. routered board (this 8X10 was purchased at the Hobby Center for less than $1)
3. liquid hardener AND liquid resin. These can be expensive, so split the cost with someone if you can.
4. disposable cups (4-5 to hold up the board depending on the size, 1 to mix the liquids)
5. tongue depressors
6. Glue stick
7. Cutting board
8. garbage bag
9. drinking straw

Step 1: Trim picture to the desired size to fit on your board. If you have a board that is larger than your picture, paint the board your desired color, then let dry completely.

Step 2: Cut picture and glue to board.

Step 3: mix equal amounts of resin and hardener in disposable cup. The amounts just depends on the size of your picture, but needs to be enough total to spread over the entire board. Stir thoroughly for about a minute until nice and bubbly.

Step 4: Cover workspace with garbage bag, making sure table top is level. Place board on cups, then pour mixture over board.

Step 5: Using a tongue depressor, spread mixture over entire board, making sure to fill routered areas. Let drip over sides. Run depressor over sides so that the side's color changes. (don't worry about drips underneath yet.)

Step 6: Can you see all of the tiny bubbles? Using the straw, very gently blow air over the whole picture. This will pop the bubbles. Be careful not to let spit fall through the straw onto the picture.

Step 7: Wait 30-45 minutes, then take another depressor and "dig out" the routered areas. You may have to go over them a few times to make sure they are clear. Once again, blow out any bubbles that may have formed, then drag the depressor along the board underneath to get rid of any drips. The mixture will level out as it sits.

Step 8: Let dry for 24 hours, then frame or prop on a stand an enjoy!

MTC

My parents entered the MTC at 10:00 this morning. I'm so proud of them! I'm sure last night was one of the longest nights of their lives. I'm sure they will enjoy their time in the MTC. They will be there today through next Wednesday, so that at least they'll be able to have Thanksgiving with family in Utah before they drive to Baltimore. Much better than eating at Denny's somewhere in the midwest.

May the Lord bless you during your Mission Mom and Dad!

And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

Helaman 5:12

2 months!

I can't believe Avery is 2 months already!

Missionary Parents

So exciting! My parents received thier mission call today, and they are going to the Maryland, Baltimore mission! I think they were hoping for somewhere with consistent weather patterns, like Hawaii or the Caribbean, but the Lord had other plans in mind for them. They will be performing assignments according to what the Mission President needs, so at this point they aren't sure what they will be doing. The Mission President is from Meridian, so at least they will have something in common. They report to the MTC on Monday, November 15th. Very fast! My mom was hyperventilating a little, but she'll be fine. So proud of you Mom and Dad!