Article of Faith

Our primary is encouraging the kids to learn the Articles of Faith so today in the car I was practicing with Skylee the second article of faith. This was her version: " We believe that men will be punished for their own sins and not for Adam's transportation" So we talked about how it is really Adam's transgression. Then Jaston pipes up " transgression sounds like transformers." Needless to say it was a very spiritual discussion this morning. ;)

New Calling

In our church, we all take turns having responsibilities. Well, when we moved here I got called pretty quick to be the primary chorister (kids music leader )- something I had zero experience in. When they put me in I had about a month until our primary program so that was quite a shocker. I made it through the program and then we had two months of holiday craziness. So when January rolled around and we had new guidelines, a new counselor that was super helpful with ideas for music, and new songs I was determined to get prepared for the year.  
     Of course, as soon as I start to feel more confident and comfortable in my calling they decide to put me somewhere else. As some background they split our ward about three weeks ago and we lost about 300 people (yes, our ward was HUGE). Along with the cut we lost many of our pianists. So yes, that is where they called me- Primary Pianist. ( side-note I thought they were going to call me to play in sacrament meeting and that almost gave me a panic attack). They released me two weeks ago but they didn't have a new chorister yet so I continued to be the chorister. Yesterday was my last day. 
      I have mixed emotions about the whole thing. I sure love those primary kids and their sweet spirits when they sing. I think once the baby comes (which by the way I'm in my third trimester crazy!) this calling will be much more manageable. I was a little stressed since basically the last two hours of church is spent doing opening exercises, junior singing time, nursery singing time, and then senior singing time. Jeff teaches the last hour too so not sure what we were going to do with the baby. At least with pianist duties I have a few short breaks where I could feed the baby if needed. 
     Can you tell by my novel that change gives me a little anxiety? haha I'm in the same organization doing basically the same thing and it's messing my groove up. :) I will be fine, just needed to share.

Kindergarten Transportation Parade

Skylee insisted that for her Kindergarten Transportation Parade today she have the Polar Express. So I told Jeff this was his project since I have zero creativity when it comes to designing stuff. He built the base and then told me I had to do all the painting. So I had no idea how I would do it but I just made it up as I went along and think it turned out pretty good. Thank heavens for a creative husband. 

Here is a friend of ours-Koven in his army truck.

 And another friend- Chase in his motorcyle

 I tried to get a pic of the craziness in the gym after the Parade where they sang their Route 66 song. It was cute. Can you spot the Polar Express amongst the sea of vehicles and kindergartners?

 I took this pic of Skylee before school today. She was super excited for her "special" day.

Family Pics Jan 2013

I was making my blog book for last year and realized I had no family pictures of us last year so I set up my tripod Sunday morning and took a few pics. I was super bummed cuz my flash died right before I took the first pic and of course it was my favorite. Even with editing in Light Room, it doesn't look the best but oh well, I posted it anyway. I love the pic of Skylee and Jaston though. My kids are pretty adorable when they want to be ;)

Quilting time

Diane and Greg surprised the kids and came for a visit this past weekend. Greg had med school interviews in Phoenix so they stopped by on their way back. The kids were ecstatic. What was even more fun was Nana brought an exciting project for her and Skylee to work on. She brought material for a quilt for the baby. The lady at the store told her there was no way a five year old could do a quilt but Skylee and Nana sure proved her wrong. Skylee did a ton of the work and did a great job. Of course I needed a million pics to document the event. 

Skylee and Nana measuring and cutting the fabric- Jaston playing on my phone.

Skylee marking where they needed to cut

I couldn't get over the kid's adorable hands helping Nana sew. This first one is Skylee and the one below is Jaston. 

Skylee helping Nana   Sew

Skylee helping Nana tie the quilt she did a great job and most of it by herself

More Sewing

Cutting the ties

Jaston had to get his help in too

Skylee cuddling up in baby sister's blankie once it was all done.

Finished product!

We had such a blast having her and Greg for the weekend and now we have a sweet quilt for the babe which is coming soon... She's due three months from yesterday. Crazy!

Christmas Festivities

Because it was my sister's "off" year for Christmas, we did our Christmas Eve festivities a few days early. We started our party by doing Candy Trains. The kids had a blast.

After our trains, we went out looking at Christmas lights on the back of a trailer that my dad had borrowed from the ward. It was a lot of fun and oh so cold! We got home and the kids opened their cousin gifts.

Christmas Eve the kids each opened a gift. Jaston adored his. It was a little transformer doll and it was SO slow but he would sit with his little head in his hands and just wait patiently until it came to him. It was so stinkin cute. I loved that after awhile he had Nana come join in the fun . 

Christmas morning the kids were excited Santa found them at Nana and Papa's. They had a great morning and got very spoiled from Nana, Santa, and "Skylee Clause" had a lot of fun giving presents as well. We had a great Christmas at the Wingers.

Our Christmas at the Johnsons was super fun too. We are so spoiled that our families live five minutes apart so we get to have Christmas with both families. Sunday our friends from years and years ago when we lived in Arizona came to visit. It was so fun to see them. The big pic below is of all of us playing a game we played a few times at my parents- basically chimes we played. It was fun. Kids got spoiled at my parents too. Overall we had and amazing Christmas. I am so grateful for the wonderful families we have. 

Jaston's Birthday Bash

 Jaston woke up to a balloon-filled room on his birthday. I didn't think much of it but he loved it. He ran into my room and said " You have to see what the balloons are doing in my room."

We had Jaston's birthday party a day late. I just decided to invite a few friends and their kids. We kept it pretty low key but he is still talking about it today so I think it was a success.

Jaston opening his present from him cousins- he loved it.

The cafeteria at the hospital supposedly had amazing cakes so for the first time I didn't make a cake but ordered it. It turned out way cute. He loved it!

Jaston and his friend, Bay, admiring the cake.

Succeeded in blowing out the candles!

A pic of all the kiddos

I think he was excited to open presents.

His famous cheese face right now

I think he liked it.

Cool snake!