Weekend Get AWAY

Last weekend, I went away to scrapbook with my friends. We typically go in February, but since Jeff had travel plans for February, I decided to go early. It was a really fun weekend. We left on Thursday, and decided spontaneously to go to Disneyland the next day. One of the ladies has a pass that enabled all of us to go for free. It was so fun! We just went wherever the wind took us, and had such a great time being their together as silly women. It was definitely a highlight of the trip.

My sister happened to be there the same day, so when the other ladies returned to scrapbook, I spent some time with my sister and her family. It was fun to be there with my nephews, I have been to Disneyland with really little kids in a long time.

I spent the rest of the weekend having a fabulous time with my girlfriends. We went for walks, bought ice cream and specialized vineager (really good individually, but not advised together) and scrapbooking to our hearts content. It was a really great break for me, and I came home very refreshed and ready to take on life while my husband is busy testing. It was great timing for me!

Family Fun

Two weeks ago, my family came into town. My parents, my sister Jenny, and my sister Krissy along with her husband Chad, and children, Collin and Austin arrived to fill my house and heart. It was perfect timing. They arrived on Thursday, just after the older kids had completed their first semester finals. Friday, the kids were out of school, so we had a game day here at the house. We played many silly games that my sister brought, had a ping pong tournament and a trampoline trick show. It was a fun day.

Sunday we all headed down to Long Beach for Austin’s blessing. Since it was Regional “Stake” Conference, we had our own personal blessing meeting at the church after the services in the morning. It was a very simple and sweet service. Afterwards, we took many pictures, then ate lunch. It was fun to be with friends and family and spend the day together.

Volleyball

Following my lead, volleyball has taken over the house. This week we earned the volleyball cub scout belt loop. We put up the net and had a very competitive game considering it was several of the boys first time playing volleyball. Jayd and a few other scout came to help teach the cubs. They were wonderful, I could tell that the cubs really looked up to them and respected them as they were learning.
Yesterday I played in my first volleyball tournament. It was very fun. We went to Cal State Los Angeles and spent the day playing, then sitting, then playing, etc. The schedule reminded me of the diving meets I attended back in highschool. I really had a great time. We only won one game, but I learned a lot about how to play the game, and had a few good plays. There was a group of 11 of us that went together and I really enjoyed spending the day with them talking, and playing. It was a lot of fun, and I hope to go again someday. As one of the ladies put it, "Whether you win or lose, any day of playing volleyball beats a day of housecleaning!"

The Eagle Court of Honor

I spent the week preparing for Jayd's Eagle Court of Honor. I was assigned the task of making a computer presentation to highlight the achievements of the three boys that were being presented at the court of honor, AJ Matheson, Austin Asplund, and Jayd. It was fun to work on the presentation and become familiar with the accomplishments of the other boys. The presentation turned our very well and I was pleased with the result.
We were very happy to go to the Eagle Court of Honor. I was very proud of Jayd and all of his accomplishments. I know that this is a great achievement that he can take with him throughout his life. I couldn't be happier with the way that everything turned out.
I am also very grateful for Bro. Bartholomew in our stake. It turns out there is a lot of preparation for an eagle court of honor! Several people spoke, and there were awards and presentations. Jayd received letters from several senators and a flag that had been flown over the White House. I didn't have a clue what to do! If he hadn't taken over and made most of the preparations for us, it would have been a very bland court of honor. We, along with the Asplunds and Mathesons, arrived nearly clueless as to what was happening, but it was all nicely planned out and went very smoothly. I am very grateful for his expertise and diligence to make the court of honor such an enjoyable evening for us.

Twas the Week before Christmas....

The week before Christmas, school is coming to a close, parties are everywhere, it's a fun and busy time of the year! This week we went to the Christmas Social at the elementary school. There were crafts to do, and a visit from the big guy. Gabe was the first in line to see Santa, and Allie was right behind him. Apparently, they remember that the line quickly extends out the door into the cold night air! He spent a long time talking to them, then they were back at the craft tables. It was a fun night for everyone. Maddie and Jayd were unable to attend the party, so Jeff did his own Christmas photo shoot in the living room. Jayd was an unwilling subject, but Maddie was ready and willing. She so photogenic isn't she lovely in this picture!

My Boys in Red

Here are my boys in RED! Gabe played volleyball this season. This is the first year of an instructional league, so the level of play was pretty basic. If you could serve the ball, you earned a point. If you actually hit a served ball, the parents cheered, and if you hit the ball twice before it went over the net ( a legal return), the crowd went wild because it was such a rare event! Gabe enjoyed playing, and was fairly good at it. (Note the red t-shirt and read the note to the right)
Jayd is my other son in red, a nice red (maroon) tuxedo for his winter concert at school. This year we were a little worried, the band has been in turmoil for the past 2 months since the band teacher was unexpectedly removed from his post. They have been scrambling to keep the program afloat. The concert went well and I think that their efforts were well received. Jayd is the only french horn in the band, so he had to carry his section. He performed well, although I admit, I had a difficult time hearing the french horn amidst all the other horn instruments!

A Very Merry Unbirthday

Allie, Gabe and I went to Disneyland for the last time last Tuesday. Our yearly pass was nearly done, and it was the only day that we could go during the week. Jeff was supposed to come with us, but some last minute things at work prevented him from accompanying us. That was really a bummer since it was his birthday! I felt a twinge of guilt going to Disneyland without him on his birthday, but he assured me that it wasn't a problem, he was going to be working late that day anyways. Allie, Gabe and I had a great day. The park was not very full, so we were able to go on all our favorite rides for the last time. Allie and Gabe were both selected to do the Jedi Training again. This time we wore our Star Wars costumes. They spent the rest of the day "forcing" me around the park and enjoying the comments about their Jedi status from all the park employees. All in all, we had a great unbirthday celebration at Disneyland without the birthday boy. Now our passes are done, and we won't be visiting Disneyland again for quite some time. It has been a great year.