I love my birthday's everyone.

Kjirsten had such a special 8th birthday that I am sure she will not forget. She was fortunate to be able to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on her birthday. She was so excited and all day she kept telling me how happy and nervous she was.

All ready to be baptized. She loved her dress and was complimented on how pretty she looked all day.

The whole family ready for the baptism. What a good looking bunch if I say so myself.

Mother and daughter. Immediately after her baptism Kjirsten told me how awesome and special she felt just like she knew she would. She said it was the most special day she had had in her whole life so far. It was a very special moment. We are so proud of her and the wonderful young lady she is becoming.

Father and daughter. He actually makes her look short.

After church and Kjirsten's special birthday dinner of homemade pizza she got to open all her presents. She loved everything! Favorites included beautiful pearls, her scriptures, and this new scooter.

Kjirsten loved her birthday cake. It was a lot of work to make but turned out soooo cute. She was very concerned about how to have candles without catching the doll on fire so we cut a piece and put a candle on top after admiring the cake at length.

The cute cake. It was fun to make. I was feeling truly clever and artistic.


On Saturday Kjirsten I had a little mini photo shot for a picture to put on the front of her baptism program. These were some of the best. The flowers were a special birthday gift from mom and dad.

This one won the cover contest. 

Happy Easter 2012

I know it has been forever since I blogged anything. I blame it on trying to finish school. Since graduation is still 8 months away. I have taken a few pictures for all of you who are wondering what we have been up to lately.

My troublesome trio- ready for church

The almost 11 year old- didn't like the sunshine

My lovely daughter

The youngest- 4 going on 7 !

Mother and daughter in matching outfits. - So sweet.

The front of my house in full spring bloom.
In summer it all turns yellow when my other bulbs come out.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

The Kids ready for church Christmas morning

After such a busy past few months Christmas break has brought welcome relaxation and time together. Some of that time was spent passing around a cold but we also enjoyed games with friends right before Christmas and on New Years. We made lots of goodies that I am going to spend January working off, but they were tasty. We even spent New Year's Evc at the Zoo because our weather has been so unusually warm. It was all great. When asked if I was ready for the kids to go back to school. I reply that I really am not. I have enjoyed the change of pace. It has been great.

I am excited for January and the new year. I feel really positive about this next year and positive changes for our family. We will anxiously look forward to what 2012 brings.

Samuel asleep on my lap after a busy Christmas day.

Zoo Train Ride

More Fun at the Zoo

Medieval Times

One of the challenges of being in a special education program is the constant projects. Joshua was getting fairly burnt out on project after project, but the final two for the semester included creations that were on display on the last day before Christmas break at his school's medieval fair. He created both an original coat of arms and a gingerbread castle. He really enjoyed putting his creativity to work and we enjoyed seeing his ideas become tangible. While challenging his new school program has pushed him and helped him grow.

Turkey Day

Samuel had a little Thanksgiving feast at preschool this week. It was very cute and he loved one of the songs that they sang. I recorded him doing it all by himself. So here is your own personal performance of "turkey dinner."

Rest and Relaxation

Our family was desperate need a little R&R. Fortunately we had planned a little vacation to far South West Virginia for just that. We hiked, played games, roasted marshmallows, and enjoyed the fact that we didn't have pressing obligations. After such as busy past few months it was just what we needed to recharge and spend some great quality family time together.

At the boat dock half way through the Lake Loop Trail approx. 6 miles.
Getting crafty in the cabin. The kids loved making crafts and playing games.
At the top of our steep hike. - The top of Molly' Knob, Hungry Mother State Park, VA
Taking a break half-way up you can see the peak in the back ground.

Halloween.

All ready to Trick or Treat .
Our Hermione.
Her nemesis Draco Malfoy.
Sam- The spectacular Spider Man
This year there is one word to describe Halloween. WET! We missed a church Trunk or Treat because of the wet only to have it pour on Halloween night. The kids still had fun, and a little less candy never hurt anyone. I am thinking of entering Kjirsten in a Hermione Granger look a like contest.