Parkside Christmas Program

We have been blessed to get to listen to Christmas music at the school programs this year.  Dallin and MaryAnne were in their first school programs.  They did a great job.  I love the school Christmas programs.  I am glad the children have the opportunity to show what they have been working on.  MaryAnne has also been in the Powell Kids Chorus after school.  They did a song that was really neat with the lights off. They don't look really happy about being in the program in this picture, but I think they really did enjoy the night. I am putting on several videos of their songs.

Matthew moments

Matthew has had several fun events happenings this month.  He turned 16 on the 9th.  He had a great birthday I hope.  We made a chocolate caramel cake that was absolutely delicious!  He got a new game for his PS4 that he has been wanting. Neil worked hard and made Matthew a nice chessboard.  He was really excited about that.

  He went to the Cross County team awards that night at the bowling alley.  His teammates voted him the most inspirational for the boys team.  I think it was because he goes and works hard every day.  He might complain about a practice at home, but he won't complain there he will just work hard.

Today Matthew was ordained to be a Priest.  He is doing a good job being a good priesthood example for his younger brothers.  He is really learning to help and be a peacemaker in our home.  He watches out for his younger siblings and enjoys playing with them. I am grateful for Matthew and his goodness.

What happens at quiet time

Every afternoon I try and get a quiet time out of Joshua and Lydia.  Joshua still takes naps pretty faithfully.  I just lay him down, leave the room and he is asleep in a few minutes.  Lydia on the other hand has given up naps.  I usually get a few minutes that she will lay down and quietly look at books, but she rarely falls asleep anymore.  A few weeks ago she stayed in her room very quietly for much longer than I expected.  I thought for sure she was asleep so I peeked in to check on her.  I discovered that she has watched her older sisters do makeup quite often and she is pretty good at applying eye shadow with a dry erase marker.  She did a pretty good makeup job.

Little Stompers

For quite a while Joshua and Lydia have wanted to join Stomp and Company as Little Stompers.  When we performed in July and they saw the Little Stompers they were disappointed that they weren't doing it. Bethany taught the class this fall so we finally decided to let them do it. They  have loved being Little Stomper cloggers.  They did a great job performing at the recital.  Lydia had fun doing the parade with us. They even got their picture in the paper at a performance.  They sure are cute to watch.  They steal the show every time.  Sorry that the video is a little dark.  Lydia is the clogger right behind Joshua in the first song.

Thanksgiving

We were so blessed to have all of our children here for Thanksgiving.  Rebecca worked on Wednesday and then drove up on Thursday.  She got here a couple of hours earlier than we expected. What a wonderful surprise to see her drive up.

We did all of our cooking, except the turkey the day before.  We were able to enjoy the day together playing games and visiting.  We played card games and dice games.  We enjoyed being together.  We skyped with Grandpa and Grandma Sharp for the last time before they come home from Ireland.  It was fun to see them.

We had quite a feast, but as usual I didn't get any pictures.  I think the only year that I have remembered to take pictures of our dinner I didn't have any film in the camera.  Neil helped me make a truly beautiful lemon meringue pie. Thanks, Neil, I enjoyed working on the pie with you.  I did take a picture of that, but it was half gone.  We had so much yummy food.  We ate it for a couple of days. I enjoyed not having to cook for a few days.  Having two turkeys meant that there was plenty for sandwiches after. Matthew says that turkey sandwiches just might be better than thanksgiving dinner.

We are so blessed and grateful for all that we have.  Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family to share it with.

An exciting weekend at our house!

The weekend after Thanksgiving (Nov. 29 and 30) was pretty exciting at our house.  Saturday was David's 12th birthday and Dallin's baptism.  We were so blessed to have all of our children here to enjoy the day together.  Sunday, David was ordained a deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood.  It was a great weekend for our boys to share together.

The hot water heater at the church wasn't working so Dallin had a cold baptism, but a warm heart from making covenants with Heavenly Father.  We were so grateful for those in the ward who ventured out in the wind and cold to support Dallin.  He was so glad that his Primary President, Sister Wambeke, his teachers Brother and Sister Lennon, and Bishop Opps family were there.  It was neat to watch Dallin be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We are grateful that Dallin chose to be baptized and are so glad he is part of our forever family.

Sunday was David's turn for advancement. He received his Faith in God award, graduated from Primary and was ordained a deacon.  He is growing into such a fine young man. He is ready for the responsibility of the Priesthood.  We are proud of him and his accomplishments.  He is an easygoing and obedient boy.  He makes me smile.  We are grateful to have him as part of our forever family.

What  a special weekend for the boys to share together.