Aw, Man!!

I was telling Kiersten and Tanner that I am turning 40 soon.  Kiersten says, "Oh, maaaaan! I like you just the way you are!"

Screen Sharing is Fun!

I was screen sharing with my computer downstairs from my laptop, trying to look at a picture in my iphoto library, when my cursor went crazy. This meant that someone was already on my computer downstairs. I thought it was Jared, and I couldn't get my pointer to go where I wanted, so I opened the text box and typed what you see. I figured out that it was Tanner writing back. We had a good time!

Scooter Buddy and the Balloon

Brittany took this with Jared's phone while we were having family scripture reading. Not too long after, Scooter managed to pop the balloon. He was sad.

A Question for You

So I just want to know, what is the best way to deal with all the paper that comes into your home daily? Please comment!

Scooter Buddy, the new puppy

After much internet searching, we finally chose a new puppy. Mark was in withdrawal, I think, and his stress level is much better when he has a dog to pet.

We spent a day and a half trying to agree on a name for the puppy. Some of the ones we were considering: Ramses, Fluffy, Brownie, Cola, Kobi, Toby, etc. We finally settled on Scooter Buddy. He's very cuddly and sleeps a lot. He is just over six weeks old!

Our new ice cream ball

Kristal's family got us an ice cream ball for making homemade ice cream. We filled it up with the ice cream recipe and ice/salt and rolled it around for awhile. It was pretty heavy and the plastic is hard, so Kiersten was hiding in the corner and we were pretty careful not to let it hit our ankles. It made really good ice creaml! It was almost too frozen on the bottom! And there was just enough for all of us (it was pretty rich!).

Christmas morning on the stairs. Santa's bag had a hole in it again.

Kiersten's easel

Tanner's keyboard

Jared's laptop (Brittany's old one)

Brittany's new laptop (for college!!)

Brittany kept telling me this was her last Christmas here and we should do something different! So for her and Jared, we wrapped a note in a box in a box in a box and the note was the beginning of a short treasure hunt. They found their gifts in the trunk by the front door. Instead of different, they decided it was kind of weird. I guess we won't do that again!!

Christmas Sing

  

Tanner and Kiersten's school has an event on the last December day before Christmas break, and it's called Christmas Sing. Each grade sings two songs together for the parents, and later for the whole school to see. Tanner's class sang "Island Christmas" and "The 12 Days of Christmas". Kiersten's sang "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" and "The Chipmunk Song". It was fun to see.

Brittany's 18th Birthday!!!

It is hard to believe she's 18! Brittany's friends gave her a surprise party the other day, and they gave her some very wonderful gifts. Brittany also got accepted to USU, and so we gave her some USU goodies for her birthday, even though her Christmas present is also part of her birthday! She got this pennant, some sweats and a t-shirt and sweatshire. Also a cup and a window sticker. So fun! Mark was so nice to go to the USU bookstore outlet in Salt Lake for this!

Madrigal Feaste

Brittany's choir does a Madrigal Feaste every year. The choir students dress up as peasants or beggars and serve us a feaste from the time period. The chamber choir does a play and they all sing Christmas songs. It's very nice! Kiersten had a great time throwing coins at the beggars on the floor, and they would scurry around picking them up. Tanner enjoyed pounding on the table instead of clapping his hands for applause. (They give you all the directions on how to act your part, too.)