Sole Talent

Miranda has more talent in her little pinky than I do in my entire body!
She decided that she wanted to paint some shoes for her friend's Birthday Present.
She has another friend that has done this and she wanted to give it a try. She was unsure at first what to do, and how detailed she wanted to be, but she finally decided on just doing a simple design for her first time around.
THIS is what she came up with! Honestly... I couldn't do this good even in my dreams!
She put a couple Japanese symbols on the side because her friend likes it. (not sure what they say)
To top off the gift, she made a coordinating card and bought a frame that she coordinated the inside with the rest of the gift...
She claims she isn't crafty, but this proves otherwise. Perhaps she just doesn't want to let the secret out ...oops.... too late :) She is anxious to try another pair of shoes for her other friends... perhaps getting a bit more detailed.
Anyone want to place an order?

End of School

As school winds down... we all brace ourselves for the night after night of concerts, activities and award ceremonies. Not exactly the most exciting, or comfortable, thing to sit through, but we always want to show our kids the support they deserve.

This year Parker received 3 awards at Cadwallader....
The first one for straight A's all year! I guess I've just come to expect this of my kids.... and would be shocked if they didn't get straight A's (oops... is that bragging?...sorry)
Parker keeps telling me that all his friends get paid for the A's they receive and would like us to do the same for him. Well, It might be a shot in the dark, but I think that his friends get paid because getting an A is not an everyday occurance for them and they need some kind of motivation... just guessing anyway :)

The other two awards were from specific departments. Each teacher chooses a boy and girl from their classes to receive the Excellence award.

Parker received one for Math and English!

We are quite proud of him...he had a terrific 6th grade year and I expect nothing less of him next year!

The Great Outdoors

Miranda is quite excited for Girls Camp this year because she will be a 4th year. One of the requirements this year is to go on an over night hike. To get the girls ready for the 15 mike hike, they are going on a few shorter "warm up" hikes.
A few weeks ago Miranda went on a little 3 mile hike and yesterday they tackled Bristlecone Trail for 6 miles. Miranda trudged along in great stride ahead of the pack
She had a great time chatting with her friends Mizlon and Tara
Ryan volunteered to go along at the Priesthood chaperon for this hike and had a great time... (even his knee didn't bother him after having surgery a couple months ago)
I think Miranda will have lots of fun when they go on the actual 4th year hike in a couple weeks... she is definitely ready!

Fifty is Nifty

Our Ward Party last night was a 50's Theme Sock Hop....
Needless to say Parker and Ryan were not extremely excited to attend for fear they might have to dance a jive or hula hoop or something embarrassing like that. But we went and about 30 minutes before it started, Miranda and I decided to dress up for the occasion...
She was a more hip 50's girl while I sported a poodle skirt (seriously put together just before leaving) Parker decided to get into the theme as well with a little coolness of his own.
They had rootbeer floats and cookies for treats... 50's diner style

All the kids had loads of fun dancing and running around
Even Miranda and I joined the dance craze!


Hand Jive anyone?! Miranda hung out with her good friend MadisonThey WISH they could drive! We had a great time despite Parker hiding in the corner all night so I couldn't pull him in to dance. Ryan even gave in and danced a song with me :)

Final Countdown

The end of the School year brings many final concerts, and the final countdown to the last day of school!
Parker has had such a great year since he joined the Jazz band in January. He enjoys playing the Saxophone so much and has quite a natural talent for it. They had their final Jazz concert and dinner and they truly put on a fantastic show!
I was absolutely amazed at the talent in that one middle school jazz band. Ryan even admits that Parker is probably more skilled than he was at that age. I'm so glad Parker has found something he loves and has a passion for. He's thinking about learning to play some new instruments next year, but can't decide which one will be next.
I can't wait until next year when he will be an official member of Jazz band and not just a trainee!
Enjoy a couple clips from the concert (be sure to pause my music playlist first)

Spring Concert

Miranda had their final choir concert of the year. They did a wonderful job, even though Miranda thought her choir's songs were boring
Here is a couple snips of video to showcase a couple songs...
This first one is just Miranda's choir

This video is all the choir's together... they did a Wicked medly

It's always nice to listen to the choir concerts. It always brings me back to my days in High School choir. I had such a great time and just loved to sing!
Miranda has auditioned to attend Las Vegas Academy next year, we will know if she will be accepted soon.

Happy Mother's Day

I know this is going to sound cliche' but....
I just LOVE being a Mother! And if you will indulge me just a bit... I also have the most wonderful family EVER!!!It started early this morning (since we have 9am church) with Breakfast in bed! So delicious!
They also brought in some cards that the kids had made for me... I'm such a sucker for homemade cards! And Parker even presented me with a poem he had written about me. I was very impressed with how well he knows me... I especially liked the part about naps, being late and not saying no....(if you click on the image it should enlarge to read better)
They even made a special Mother's Day Poster for me
They know I'm a sucker for anything pink! Parker gave the most wonderful Mother's day talk in Sacrament that he wrote all by himself! Miranda and I even dressed alike and didn't even plan it! Ryan also went along with the pink/green theme with a unique "bouquet" of flowers...LOVE them!
I had a hard time staying out of the kitchen, but I managed, and look at the wonderful meal they came up with for me. BBQ Malibu chicken, corn, broccoli, salad and rosemary rolls... it was sooo delicious!
They ended the meal with a delicious strawberry shortcake for dessert!
What a wonderful way to spend Mother's day... with my family!

I just love to be with them and watch them grow and develop into the special people they are.
I also want to thank my mom for being such a wonderful example and friend to me. I love her very much!
Happy Mother's Day!