Emily's Birthday Rewind

ATTENTION!
Blog not abandoned!
It's been a wild few months. Too bad the blog posts I compose in my head don't magically publish to my blog! ;o)

My sweet baby girl turned ELEVEN on January 9, 2010. Am I even allowed to call an eleven year old my baby girl? I'm going to pull the "Mom Card" and say yes!

Emily is growing into a beautiful young lady.

She is a good friend, an excellent student, an avid reader, a talented soccer player, a good pianist and (mostly) patient big sister. She has recently taken up Jazz dancing and is thoroughly enjoying finding her groove in the dance studio.

Emily's sense of humor and quick wit keep us laughing. She's a good match for her snarky Daddy, who gets a kick out of (and secretly takes pride in) her antics.

I am grateful to Emily for her responsible example, easygoing nature and helpful attitude. She's shaping up to be an excellent babysitter and is always willing to watch the kiddos when asked.

Getting contacts was the highlight of Emily's year! I'm still not used to her new "frame-less" look, but I must admit it's very pretty. I'm trying to resist the urge to lock her in a closet until she's 21! Kurt is looking into acquiring a large gun collection! ;o)

Emily enjoys her Primary class and Activity Days. She has a tender testimony of the gospel that is growing more each day.

I am so thankful to be blessed with daughter who is beautiful on the outside and the inside.

Happy Birthday, Emily! You may be 11 but you will always be my baby!

We love you!

*Pics to come soon...I'm having uploading issues!*

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I Fell Into a Burning Ring of Fire

Volcano building and eruption must be an elementary school rite of passage. Emily did not disappoint! I helped her mix the salt dough and she took it from there. I think her finished creation was fun and original. She named it "The Ring of Fire".

Em with her masterpiece

All decked out with pre-historic critters

We watched all of the 5th graders participate in the mass chaos of eruption. Eruption

(with help from Dad and friend S)

Success!

The aftermath

A colorful, soggy, vinegar-y mess

It was a fun project! Way to go, Em!

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Fifties Flashback

The Fonz and his Baby had the opportunity to attend an Activity Days sponsored "Guys and Gals" Sock Hop.

Daddy-O fired up the 'ole hot rod and they burned some rubber on the way to the hop. It was a blast!

Later, gator!

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Oh, Thinks You Can Think...

Emily's Seussical adventure is over.

She had a great time and made lots of new friends. It was a wonderful opportunity for her to develop her talents.

The show was fantastic and well attended too. I think four of the five performances sold out.

It made Emily's days to have great support from family and friends.

A big thank you to everyone "WHO" came to see the show!

Nanna and Poppa; Grandma and Grandpa; Sam; Steph; Sean, Dianne, Ali, Davis and Jessi; Jim, Carrie, Jimmy and Katie; Jesse and Sarah; Mitch, Tara, Preston and Audrey.

We appreciate your love and support!

Emily,

We love you! We can't imagine our family without "WHO"!

Great job, sweetie!

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Attention All Whos...

Attention All Whos!

Seussical Jr. is this week!

There's no time to lose!

March 25th, 26th, 27th & 28th
7:00 p.m.
Saturday Matinee

1:oo p.m.

Farmington Community Arts Center
120 South Main

Tickets are $5.00 in advance or $6.00 at the door
To reserve tickets, call:

1-801-451-0953

Seating is general admission
Doors open one half hour before performances begin

This is a fast paced, fun and entertaining musical that everyone will enjoy!

Emily has had a great time rehearsing for this show! It's been extra special for her to share the experience with her cousins, Whitney and Corinne. Come support the girls and join in the fun if you can!

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Flashback

Emily has been bitten by the reading bug. Often after she has been tucked in bed for the night, I go down to check on her and this is what I find. Yes, she's up past her bedtime, but it's awfully hard for me to get mad at her. I'm pretty sure we could rewind 23 years and take this exact picture of me.

Mom? Are you there? Can you back me up on this one?

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Puppy Stack

If you ask Todd, he will insist it's a "Puppy Stack"...not a Dog Pile. :o)
There's nothing like some roughhousing with Daddy before bed!

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"SOAP" You Have A Happy Valentine's Day!

A big thanks to Annie for giving us the inspiration for our Valentine's this year.

We had fun making our vanilla scented heart soaps.

I hope the recipients read the "SOAP" you have a Happy Valentine's Day tag. The hearts smelled good enough to eat, but I'm pretty sure they wouldn't be too tasty!

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"Bed"st Buddies

When I went down to tuck Emily in tonight, this is what I found. Two monkeys in bed giggling uncontrollably. After a few minutes of silliness, I told Alex it was time for him to go to his bed. He forcefully replied, "NO! I SLEEP WITH EMMY!" I'm certain if we'd have tried his idea that no sleeping would have taken place. :o)

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Possibly The "Coolest" Field Trip Ever

Emily LOVED her first ski trip! She was especially glad that Kurt went along with her as a chaperone. Emily and Kurt were able to stay at the resort after the field trip was over and ski for a few more hours until the lifts closed for the day. They had a great time!

Next time you see Emily, be sure to ask her about the "TOTALLY AWESOME" resort bathroom and her graceful leap off the chair lift! :o)

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Emily is TEN!

January 9, 2009

Dear Emily~

Happy Birthday, honey! TEN YEARS OLD. That's a DECADE, girl! I can't possibly be old enough to have a ten year old, can I? Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday you were a tiny baby, a crazy and talkative toddler, a preschooler, and an excited kindergartner on the first day of school. Now, you're a beautiful young lady with strong opinions, a great sense of humor and tons of dreams. Would it be alright with you if you stayed ten for just a few more years? ;o)

This year has been full of fun, changes and adjustments for you. You've handled them all so well...with courage and a positive attitude. Those two qualities will serve you well throughout your life. You've done a lot of things in a year's time and it's been so rewarding to watch as you accomplish the things you need and want to do.

I know Colorado was tough for you, but you made the best of it, and I'm proud of you for that. You were excited to move back to Utah...even though you knew it would be another change and more adjustments.

You worked hard and saved your money to buy your own plane ticket to Utah. You flew on an airplane for the first time...ALONE. I think that was harder on me than it was on you! :o) I was a bit nervous as I watched your plane take off, but mostly I was so proud of you for setting a goal for yourself, reaching that goal and then hugging me and marching confidently onto that plane without looking back! *sniff*

You started a new school...again. Your third one in just five years. You quickly made new friends and settled into your new situation. You are outgoing and enjoy spending time with people. I think you'll always remember "the best party ever"! Your friends are important to you and Daddy and I are so grateful that you've always chosen good ones.

You like to try new things. This year has been the year of musicals for you! Despite being a bit nervous about performing on stage for the first time, you enjoyed "Annie" so much! It was a good experience for you and you did such a great job! I can't wait to see you as a "Who" in "Seussical Jr.". You are a talented girl and I am thankful you are willing to develop your talents and share them with others.

You are growing up! I know that things can be hard and confusing at times, but I love your willingness to try a little harder and be a little better. Watching you grow, learn and form your own ideas and opinions is something Daddy and I enjoy. We hope you will always be strong, make good choices and stand up for what you know is right.

Natalie, Todd and Alex love you so much! They look up to you and follow your example. You are a good big sister to them (even when they get into your things and annoy you) and I appreciate that. I love it when you play with the boys without being asked. Thank you for being kind to Natalie and including her in many of your "big girl" things. You like to be the babysitter and I am so thankful I have you to help me.

Emily, we love you so much! You have a special place in our family. We are thankful for your strength, your determination, and (yes even) your stubborness. Your sense of humor {rabbit ears :o)} brings smiles and laughter into our home. Your example is one we are glad to follow. Here's hoping that your tenth year is the best one yet!

We love you, sweetie!

With love~
Mommy

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Christmas 2008

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A Night of Broadway

Emily and Natalie spent the past 10 weeks rehearsing for their parts in our Stake Musical. On Friday and Saturday, we were treated to the result of all their hard work as we watched their performance.

The girls were in the "Annie" medley, which included the songs Hard Knock Life, Maybe, and The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow.

Here's a clip from Hard Knock Life.

Em had a dancing part and Nat sang a small solo.



They did such a fantastic job!

We're proud of you, girls! :o)

*Edited to add*
A BIG thanks to my friend Dianne for saving the day (and what was left of my sanity) by lending us an orphan costume for Natalie. You're the best! :o)

Also, thanks to Dave and Kathy for being the costume delivery service! :o)

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Casting Her Ballot

Emily's class is following the presidential election.

This afternoon she came home with an assignment to do some research on the candidates. We were talking about the assignment when Emily asked...

"Mom, what's a Republican?"

I replied, "Republicans are..."
(and paused slightly, trying to make sure my answer was something she would understand)

During my slight pause, she chimed in with this gem...

"Old?"

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! :o) I'm still belly laughing over this one.

Well...Emily, not always, but in this case...YES!

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Deep Dinner Conversation

Tonight at dinner Emily said to me, "Mom I just have one question..."Who is Heavenly Father's father?"

Natalie piped in with a "Yeah, who?"

Feeling unsure of how to answer, I glanced over at Kurt, hoping he could help me out.

This was his reply...

"Heavenly Grandpa."

Nice one, dear! If you need me, I'll be over in the corner with my lightning rod. :o)

Thanks for always making me laugh...even if you are a bit irreverent about it!

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Locks of Love

*Pre-post warning...If your name is Nanna, prepare yourself...and remember it's only hair and it's for a WONDERFUL cause! :o) *

Ever since K.E. and H.E., our neighbors in Logan, grew their hair to donate to Locks of Love, Emily and Natalie have wanted to do the same.

After much time, patience and a few hair brushing arguments between mom and daughters, the day has arrived!  

There was a bit of nervous anticipation, but with the support of cousins, brothers and Mom, both girls took their turn in the chair.  A big thanks to Aunt Lori for donating her time, talent and skill.  She made the end result darling in both cases!

I'm so proud of Emily and Natalie for choosing to give of themselves to serve someone else.  

Emily's adventure...

Natalie's adventure...

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Wings to Fly

Emily worked really hard to earn money to buy a plane ticket to Utah.

Her original plan of flying out a week ahead of us for summer vacation got switched up a bit when Kurt got offered a new job and we decided to move. We wanted her to be able to enjoy the payoff of her hard work, so we changed her flight and she flew to Utah on Saturday, May 31.

I was brave and practiced my deep breathing as I sent her off. :o) Everything went well and she had a great flight.

She's living on "easy street" this week while the rest of us pack like maniacs. I'm seriously considering letting her unpack all the boxes once we get moved into our new house!

Emily, we're proud of you and we miss you! See you soon...

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Happy Fingers

Emily had her piano recital tonight. She played "Chimes" and "Once There Was a Snowman". She worked really hard on both pieces and memorized "Snowman". She did a fantastic job! She has progressed so much in the 5 months that she has been taking lessons here. We are very proud of her!

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Let the games begin

Emily and Natalie had their first soccer games of the season today. They played great and hustled hard, but both of their teams lost. No worries...I'm sure they'll rack up a few wins before the season is over. And just a little FYI...don't ask us to do anything for the next seven Saturdays! :o)

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A Thousand Words...

They say a picture is worth a thousand words...I'd have to agree! I love this picture of my mom and my girls.

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