Record SNOW

We only had two days of school this week because of snow.  The two days the children attended were busy.  Nick and Maddie performed in the school musical.

 (Maisie is in the second row with the pink skirt and white shirt.)  They sang their hearts out, and they were the stars for sure.  Actually all of my primary kids knew how to sing and perform. (Heart.) 
Wednesday night the weather report came in and it was decided that school was cancelled.  These girls took advantage of the late night.

 We stayed in and made lovely breads and salads.

 Here we are Thursday morning -- playing and reveling in that glorious snow.

 Scouts always build igloos.

 Selfie.

 Friday morning all events were cancelled as well.  Look at that snow!

 I'm sure it will all be melted by Tuesday, but I've decided that's the best way to have winter, enduring five days of a quiet world where everything is about staying tucked in as a family.

 Molly's rainbow-unicorn shoes are my favorite.

Guymon Visitors

Ricky called up and asked, "We are five hours away, so can we come for the weekend?"  Of course we were tickled, and the best weekend happened.

Nick and Tessa were fast friends.

 Maddie concluded, "Gracie and Andelin are so fun!"

 That brother of mine was a true piano boss during family choir.

 Noah fit in brilliantly.

 And night after night they stayed up late watching Disney movies.

 Monday morning was no school, and we were all pretty excited about that snow. (Little did we know what was to come.)

 Mindy, Ricky and I sat in the kitchen for seven hours and talked life.  Real life.  That hard stuff that makes you cry and that real stuff that draws you closer to each other to our Savior.  Those hours passed without a glitch -- we didn't hear from the children; they didn't need us, because they had each other. (And we had each other.)

 FHE was a rad dance party.

 Our vast group (Austin did go to work, poor guy.)

Come back to fill our souls and love us completely.

All the Love

It's Science Fair time!  Nick is testing the five second rule.

 Maddie tried out for the talent show and made it with her piano skills.  We then rad to Walmart.

 Valentine's Day!  The best day with all the love in the whole world.
Eddie and I made a taco box.

 Molly looks darling in her red and pink and heart earrings.

 Ryan is a stud.

 Our breakfast table.

Maddie and Maisie had heart hair (notice Maddie's heart socks).

 Maddie and Austin made this darling unicorn box.

 Maisie and Nick were just cute in red and pink.

 Andy was killing it -- as usual.

 I picked them up from school, and he was thrilled about the candy in that taco.

 I showed love for me by baking these cookies.  They really are the best.  cookie.  ever.

 We were all home early, so we watched the new "Grinch" movie all afternoon together.

 Austin gave me these. He makes his own arrangements.  He's really creative in all things.  He's very easy to love.

 Meg won the plank contest with a 5 minute and 17 second plank.  She brought home her war wounds.

Afternoon selfies.

Once again this chica earned "Athlete of the Month."  Every time I hear people gush about her, I tear up and feel so proud.

Her buddy earned the same award for males.

 They did this.  I was nice.

 Friday night Austin took us to see "Aladdin" at ASU Gammage.  It was just so fun to hang out with these middle children.

 They were in heaven.

 So were we.

 The theater!

 Saturday morning Meg received the email that she was accepted in BYU!  Rise and Shout!  We both cried.  This girl has been working so hard (she is still slated to be valedictorian) accomplishing goals.  She's a dream.

My family is so easy to love.  I've decided to kiss them more often, speak more gently, and testify more boldly.  And, when I fail again tomorrow, I'll just keep trying.