We are ThaNkFuL for...

Steve and I are most grateful for the two little girls that keep us very busy! From homework, piano, and dance, to more homework, violin and softball. Somewhere in the middle of all that, we are also grateful for their achievements, nighttime prayers together, all the hugs and kisses, and even some of the tears. They bring so much joy and love to our lives, we can't imagine it any other way.

We are thankful for our pets, but this one just seems to get more attention than all the others.

This year, we were fortunate enough to have 2 Thanksgiving dinners. One at Steve's dad's, and one at our house. We are so thankful for all of our family and the love and support they give us.
In honor of Thanksgiving, (a late thought), I asked the girls to name 5 things that they were most grateful for. Aly's list went like this:

1. my family

2. my home

3. my friends

4. my cell phone

5. steak - Mmm

When I asked Kelsey, she told me she'd think about it, and get back to me. About half an hour later, she brings me this list that is over 3 feet long! Her top 10 (out of 81) went like this:

1. family

2. temples

3. friends

4. world

5. food

6. Primary Childrens Hospital

7. Jesus Christ

8. to be free

9. violin

10. school

Kelsey loves to rake up the leaves (another thing we are grateful for!).
Happy Birthday dinner!

For Steve's nieces' birthday (October), we went to the Blue Iguana for dinner. I love Mexican food! Most of their sauces have a chocolate base in them... sounds strange, but it's SO yummy! We hope you had a happy birthday Amanda - thanks for inviting us!

Bewitched!

Friday, my mom and I took the girls to Gardner Village to see their annual display of the witches. Kelsey was very excited and wanted to wear her new princess costume for some "photo ops" with the witches. She looked so cute, I couldn't resist.

The famous Witchy Poo.

This fishing witch was my favorite! (Notice all the "TNT".)

And here is Kels puckering up to the Kissing Witch.

We all had fun - but we learned something... NEVER, NEVER go to Gardner Village on UEA weekend! There were SO many people, it was almost impossible to go in to all the little shops.... which may have been a good thing... I didn't spend any money this time!

Special Delivery Day

Thursday after the girls got home from school, I drove them up to Primary Childrens hospital to deliver the items they were able to buy from their summer selling and donations jar. The girls had raised over $60.00, so, we called a few weeks earlier to see what they were most in need of, and then went shopping. We were able to purchase 4 doctor kits, lots of markers, crayons, colored pencils, and a big squishy ball. The lady over the PCMC foundation was so excited to meet Aly and Kelsey and hear about how they raised their money. She took several pictures and gave each of the girls a picture of them mounted on the back of a card that reads, "Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves". I hope my girls will have LOTS of super sunshiny days!Just in case you noticed Kelsey's BIG smile, and the hole on the bottom row of teeth - she lost a tooth at school the same day. She was quite proud!

First DaYs of School

In preparation for the big days, I took them both for new hair-do's on Tuesday. I don't know if you can tell from the picture, but Aly got some blonde (actually a LOT of blonde) highlights weaved in her hair. I was a bit nervous while waiting for the processing time, and trying to figure out a way to break this one to Steve, and my parents for that matter, (that our baby Aly is in fact growing up....), but, it turned out beautifully! Then, there's Kels, sweet little Kels. She told their hairdresser (Dana) that she "wanted it all gone"! And that she "didn't want to be able to hold it" (as she held a fist full of her hair). Well, Dana saw the look on my face and did a fabulous job compromising with Kelsey. She ended up with a short A Line (a lot shorter than before), however, with the exception that if it needed to be a little shorter, she would cut more. Well, it turned out darling - she's always looked so dang cute with short hair!

Aly was very nervous and and a little excited. Yesterday was her first day as a seventh grader (yikes!). As an introduction to Jr. High, the school starts the first day with just the seventh graders, so they can find their classes and hopefully not feel too intimidated by the whole thing. She came home happy and a little overwhelmed with LOTS to say!

Kelsey's first day was today. She wanted me to take her to school - just for the first day, she kept reassuring me. She was VeRy excited, nervous, happy, and a little high strung! Once she got there and saw her friend, Ashlynd, I think she forgot I was there, because she ditched me! She too came home happy with lots of stories and notes! Aah, to be young again.....

The NEW "fuel efficient" addition...

As if we didn't have enough events going on in our weekend, Friday night we traded in my ol' Montero......

for a brand new 2008 Hyundai Elantra. I don't think I've ever cried over getting rid of a vehicle, but I loved my Montero! With the cost of gas nowadays, It was just costing us too much to keep driving it.

It's a tough adjustment, considering I'm just NOT a car person, but I'm pretty sure I'll get over it once I hit the gas station for a fill up! Steve has been really sweet trying to make me feel better about the whole thing - SO, the windows are getting tinted next week, and we'll be putting some fancy wheels on it too! But, I must admit, it's a pretty nice car - with very high safety ratings - not to mention up to 39 mpg!!!

Musicians Extraordinaire!

Saturday morning (after Kelsey's 7am softball game), the girls had a recital/concert in Tooele. It was so neat to see them each play the songs they've been working so hard on!

Here's Kelsey with her two friends and one of her teachers for a group song.

She did a perfect solo with piano accompaniment.
Aly before the "concert" started.
She did an excellent job as well!
Beautiful job girls! You're hard work really paid off!

Violinist/Softball Superstar

I had to laugh as we headed out the door Friday morning to Kelsey's violin lesson. In one hand, she carried her violin, and in the other, all her softball gear. She was all prepared as we would be going directly to her tournament in West Valley right after her lesson.

Kelsey the "HAMMER"!

These games are SO much fun to watch! It's so funny to hear these cute, sweet little girls with these LOUD voices yelling their cheers and chants!
Nice swing..... but, a foul ball! (We won this game!)

My Two Well-Babies....

Since I never thought to take a camera along to the girls' well-baby check ups, I figured I'd make up for it now. So, as we left the house today for the pediatrician's office, Aly saw my camera going into my purse, and she said, "you're gonna blog about this, aren't you?". I simply said, "yes honey, I sure am!" She just rolled her eyes (something she does alot!)

Here they are waiting patiently in the waiting room - -
Kelsey, on the other hand, doesn't do "patient" for very long.
Aly was thrilled (not), while waiting for her THREE shots. Lucky for her, they were out of one, and we have to go back in a few weeks. As for Kelsey, she's off the hook for now.

Thankfully, both girls are growing up healthy, happy, and beautifully!

A New "Kid"

It's been a while since I've blogged about anything, so I figured I'd take some pictures while wondering around the yard and update! Last Wednesday after Steve left for scout camp (like, RIGHT after), the girls and I went to Erda and bought a 10 week old female pygmy goat. Yes, we already have 2 males (Bill and Ted), but I decided we needed another! She's a bit shy, unlike the other two who seem to think they're dogs, but she's slowly warming up to us. Kelsey decided to name her "Junie". (Not sure where that came from, but okay.....)

Bill, Ted, and Junie

Kelsey had her cute little friend, Ashlynd over for a swim, and the water was SO nice!

While I was taking pictures of the girls, Jake (my Yorkie) was in pursuit of trying to strangle the cat. Yikes!

New Hair Dos?... Or Dont's

Last night, Kelsey was playing with Aly's skirt from her dance costume. A few minutes later, she came in with the skirt on her head dancing like an "egyptian", which eventually turned into her and Aly taking turns and laughing so hard that tears were rolling! I don't know where she comes up with this stuff...

I think we'll stick to these hair-do's!

Monday evening around 4pm, the girls headed down to the end of our road to set up their shop selling water, soda, and candy. They wanted to earn money to donate items to Primary Childrens Hospital. Kelsey's last few stays there have really shown us what a truly wonderful place it is. (They sold drinks last year (for themselves), and earned around $50.) This time, they will donate all the money at the end of summer. Their unselfish willingness to give amazes me, and I am SO proud of them! Way to go girls - - Dad and I love you so much!