Friday, March 30, 2012

General conference-spring 2012

Every year it seems like we struggle getting the kids to sit still during general conference. We have tried packets and tents and nothing (which turned out to be less than productive, aka a nightmare). This year I am trying something a little different. I let Madison and Ally pick out there flavors of M&Ms. They have to listen to the talks and every time one of the words are said they get to have one M&M. I don't remember who told me about this idea. I think it might have been Suzannah.

The girls picked out coconut and pretzel M&Ms so I needed to have what I thought were the most common words be either green, white, or brown.  If this works well I will adjust the colors with the words next time. What we are listening for:

Prophet - Green
Christ - Red
Love - Purple
Temple - White
Family - Blue
Faith - Brown
Tithing - Yellow
Hope - Orange

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

RIP Little Treadmill

 

After 5 years, our treadmill died yesterday.  I went to run yesterday and it was like the belt wasn't catching--kind of like it was chugging.  We've had problems with the belt lately and I think that it was getting stretched out.  I picked up the end and there was a pile of black powder was on the carpet.  Then I noticed the end bar was bent a little bit.  We looked it up and we could replace the belt and the end bar, but it would be a lot of money and I don't know that the treadmill is worth it right now.  So now if I want to run, I get to get up early or do it late at night. Oh, goodness.  I think I can ... I think I can ...

Matthew's Birthday

We finally made it to the end of birthday season!  This is a little picture heavy, but you are only 2 once.

One happy little boy:
 It took quite a while, but he finally figured out how to open a present:
   
Matthew loves cars:
  
This little boy loves his dad.  Everything has to be taken to dad to see.
 A football cake:
 Yay!


Trucks are for scooping:


You should also notice that Matthew insisted on Tangled plates.  He had 3 choices: Toy Story, Cars, or Tangled and he insisted we needed Tangled.  

Matthew's Birthday

We finally made it to the end of birthday season!  This is a little picture heavy, but you are only 2 once.

One happy little boy:
 It took quite a while, but he finally figured out how to open a present:
   
Matthew loves cars:
  
This little boy loves his dad.  Everything has to be taken to dad to see.
 A football cake:
 Yay!

 
Trucks are for scooping:

 
  

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Madison's Testimony

Madison wrote her testimony today in her Faith in God book.  It brought tears to my eyes.  She is growing up into a beautiful young woman.

Madison's testimony:
As I have done Activity Days, it has taught me that it's not for fun, it's for teaching us that we need to listen to our prophet and leaders of the church.  I've learned that if we listen to the Holy Ghost, we will have a clear mind and body like our Savior.  I am excited that I am almost 12 so I can go to Young Womens.  I have realized if we follow the commandments, Christ will come again.  I am also inspired of all the blessings I have from Christ.  Amen.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Ally's Baptism

Ally was so excited to get baptized, but I think they all are.  She had her interview with the bishop on her birthday and he said she did great.  He also said that it was nice because she would answer his questions and didn't have to do all of the talking.  Charlie got a little emotional doing the baptism, which, of course, makes me emotional.

We are so thankful for all the friends and family that were able to make it and those who wanted to make it but weren't able to.  It was a really nice evening with friends and family.




Ally's best friend, Victoria, and Lexi were able to come.
(Victoria, Ally, Lexi, and Emily)





Ally's Birthday

This is a little picture heavy, but that is how birthdays are supposed to be. :) We have been keeping life simple this year.  Ally chose chocolate cupcakes with mint-cream cheese frosting from Pinterest.  They were really delicious.


Emily thought that Ally needed the Power Balls.

Madison made Ally an angel out of pipe cleaners.
 She really loved the CTR paper, perfect for the scriptures inside of it.