Grace-ism's...

This morning Grace set the alarm for 6:45am. She wanted to get up extra early so that she might finish her drawing. Her school is having a contest where the winner's sketch becomes the cover for next year's Rock Canyon school folder. She was motivated to win and came up with a really great design All On Her Own! (Shame on me for not taking a picture of it before it went off to school...) Since Michael decided his night was over at 3am, my head was still spinning when Grace came into my room for our wake-up call. She said that she too was still sleepy and explained in great detail her difficulty in climbing down her bunk bed ladder after the alarm went off. She let me know that she "CREATED QUITE THE SHAMBLES."
I'm not making this stuff up. These are the exact words that came out of my darling 9 year old's mouth. Grace-ism for the day! Or if we are lucky- and we generally are--Grace-ism for this morning!

FHE

It was Family Home Evening at our house and Lexis was in charge of the lesson! :)
What did we learn?
A~ That "Soulja Boy" can create quite the tune.
B~ That Lexis knows every word.
and C~ That her younger brother and sister can shake that thing right along with her.

Honestly, when Lexis suggested a music video at 7:30pm at night I was game.
Seeing as how the earlier part of the evening had consisted solely of three feuding children over PENS for Heaven's Sake! By 7:30pm my three oldest had lost pretty much every privilege I could think of and so what better way to try and re-group then a choreographed hip-hop number in the basement. Donning gansta outfits, high gloss make-up and each with a cell phone 'prop' the fun ensued! Who knew that the basement could set such a stage.. :)
Not much could follow up this Smashing number but strawberry shortcake with mountains of whip cream on top!
Enjoy! But be prepared to have this melody play over and over and over in your head...we pass the fun onto you.
*editing courtesy of Lexis Shea

A Friend PhotoShoot

Lexis and 3 of her great friends, Carly, Megan and Taryn, had a Photo Shoot with the kids' new nanny who is also a photographer on the side. We got the pictures back after impatiently waiting and I think they turned out quite fun!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I am grateful for...

~a 15 year old daughter who shares a trust and bond with me, her Mama, so much so that she comes to me with her most intimate feelings. I am so grateful for this!

~a Great conversation with Mom after her long visit to the Philippines a la lifestyles of the rich and famous!

~and a dear friend who is once again in the hospital for more adjustments to her amputations and of whom when we talk on the phone is concerned for me and my life's happenings regardless of the outrageous issues she is faced with in her own.

SEP Week

SEP's (AKA Parent Teacher Conferences) are this week. Grace got the expected OUTSTANDING review but with an added bonus. I signed her up to be tested for an advanced curriculum school program similar to KOG. Her teacher reported back that Grace scored THE Highest of all the 3rd graders tested! WAY TO GO, GRACE! So proud!

Noah as the Goalie

Guess Who?

Guess who's been to school every day this week AND has stayed there the whole time?!
YAY for Michael!

America's Next Top Model-

Lexis came home from her friends house with her eyes all done up GLAMOROUS! She looks so gorgeous that a Photo shoot ensued! We had fun and Boy! is she Beautiful!

Unicorns and old, old, Old Fairy Godmothers

There I was minding my own business, sunglasses on, tapping my fingers to the music, waiting for the light to turn green when I take a look at my reflection in the mirror.
See, we had gotten up extremely early after not having slept more than a few hours throughout the night before (Michael didn't sleep AT ALL)
and were off to Lexis' volleyball tournament. I had managed a shower and then put my hair up hoping it would dry somewhat by the time we reached Kaysville at 8:00am. I wasn't overly optimistic about the possible end results of my so-called hairdo which is exactly why I was checking it out in the mirror
and Then There IT Was...
A GRAY HAIR!
About an inch long and sticking straight out like my own little version of a unicorn's horn! I immediately needed a closer look!
Could it really be? Is this for real? Am I really that darn old?
I was tempted with the idea to pull it out immediately!
And then I thought, if I did would it then become a figment of my imagination. Are their really unicorns? Does Rainbow Brite really fly on moonbeams and Fairy Godmothers turn ratty clothes into haute couture gowns?
I texted Carly my disbelief and was forced to drive on as the light turned green.
My day's perfect example that the world does not stop just because life hits me over the head with a lovely, black baby grand piano from the sky!
Overly dramatic? Yes!
But the whereabouts of that gray hair two days after noting it's existence?
Still attached to my head...

Lexis' Club Volleyball Game

I was able to go to Lexis' Volleyball Tournament this Saturday and watch her play. It was great to watch and to have that time with her. Truth be told the above video is not the best example of her team's ability as it wasn't their best game and at the same time Lexis has not had much playing time up to this point due to her shoulder problems the whole first part of this season. Nevertheless, it is great to see my own #6 out on the court, playing a game she really enjoys! More videos to come.

As per your request... recent pictures for Grandma

Mom & Lexis

Darling self picture

Noah as Noah Webster for the 5th grade Wax Museum

Grace, after surgery, with her new Lionhead bunny

Michael eating salmon