Dancing and Quilting

The first of this month brought Kenna's first dance recital. Now, I know there are many other little girls out there who are like Kenna, but we get such a kick out of all her "girliness" because she is sooooo different from Katie. We were told to leave her hair curly and down, so we did. Also she got to wear make-up, which she ate up. She told me she was "the most beautiful girl there". She even did her dance, which we weren't sure about, since last year in her singing group she just stood there and gave everyone the grouchiest face possible. As mom, I totally messed up the video. In the spring, I guess I'll get another chance.

And (drum roll) after only one year, we finished Chase's quilt. TA DA. Chase came home last December and told me he had been learning about quilts at school. "And the ladies said anyone could make one, just use your fabric scraps. Can I make one, mom, please." I really, really wanted to say no. I don't make quilts, felt totally inadequate, didn't want to take the time, and I usually don't make anything without a pattern or some sort of direction. However, the Spirit was telling me this would be great for Chase, so I did it. He picked the fabric and we figured out the pattern. I sewed the strips together. Then it sat for a long time until I finally borrowed a frame and Chase tied it. I learned alot about not putting stretchy fabrics with non-stretchy fabrics. I also learned to let go a bit, because it really drives me crazy when things don't match up perfectly. Anyway, it looks ok and best of all Chase loves it and I guess we spent some "quality time" together making up. I still don't think I'll become a quilter anytime in the near future. Kudos to all of you who have that talent.

Happy Thanksgiving

A little late, I know. Where did November go, anyway. We went to St. George for Thanksgiving. Just because we wanted to and we love St. George. It was our mini-vacation for the year. We had a hotel with a swimming pool. What else could you want? (softer beds came to mind) Mike's extended family came along also. We drove down Wednesday. On Thursday, it was pouring rain, so we hit the 12:00 movie (Bolt) and then looked for a place to eat. Of course, there isn't much open. We had planned on eating at ChuckaRama, but the line was forever long, so we ended up at Denny's. Yup, Thanksgiving dinner at Denny's and it wasn't to bad. Chase had alien pancakes, Connor and Mike hamburgers, the girls chicken and me, the turkey of course. Worth every bit of not having to cook and clean up. On Friday, we headed into Zion National Park. On the way there, we stopped at this old pioneer town called Grafton. There are some building and a cemetery. It's pretty cool. We also stopped at the Rockville cemetery. It is an old cemetery also, with some pioneers, but my sister-in-law's niece and nephew are buried there. There was a grave dug and all the kids got in it. They thought it was pretty funny.Then Zion. This is one of my favorite places, it is so beautiful and there are lots of hikes that are nice for kids. It was pretty muddy in a few spots, but beautiful. Here's the whole crew, minus Mike's dad who took the picture.

We went back into St. George and played on the "red rocks" that night and Saturday. This is by far the kids favorite place. It's up where the Dixie is, above St. George. The kids can run all over and there is this crevice called "the Narrows" they like to go through. Here's Chase in it. And Kate. It really is narrow, Mike and I can't fit. Connor took this shot of Mike and I. Check out my awesome squinty eyes. I should have kept my sunglasses on. Here's my kiddos. In between all this hiking there was lots and lots of swimming and games. A first rate trip.

Tagged

I've spent the week thinking about my quirks. Instead of being quirky, which sounds fun and cute, I've come to the sad realization that I'm more quirkless, which is pretty boring. I even asked Mike and the kids, who can be my most honest, worst, critics and they didn't come up with much. Anyway, I came up with six things, although I'm not sure they all classify as "quirks". Here ya go.
1. I can't stand feeling other people's breath on my face. I have a weird phobia about breathing in their carbon monoxide waste. I can't sleep facing Mike and move if he or my kids sit to close when we are talking or whatever. Mike thinks this is pretty funny and tries to do it at night when we are talking on purpose.
2. I hate turtle necks, scarves, and even regular t-shirt necks. It makes me feel claustrophobic. I try to buy v-neck or rounded neck shirts. If I have a t-shirt with the regular neck, I cut a vee into it. All my workout shirts are like that.
3. I don't like watermelon. Every summer it looks so good and refreshing. Everyone else likes it. I usually try it once a year and still don't like it.
4. I am super sensitive to strong smells, both good and bad. I think this might run in the family, as I've heard a couple stories about Aaron too. Many times, Mike and the kids can't even smell what is bothering me. It causes problems sometimes. The ladies I visit teach have indoor dogs and I fight not to gag every time I go over there. Last Sunday at church I was sick to my stomach from this ladies perfume. Mike also gets a lot of laughs out of this one and I can't help it.
5. I can't leave the house w/o running back to check that my curling iron is off, even when I know it did turn it off.
6. Mike said I can't relax. I hate to admit it, but I think he's right. I have a hard time sitting and watching a movie, because there is always something to be done. I rush to much to do the "next thing". I think that's why I like camping. I feel like I can relax, because I'm away from all that "needs to be done."
Now that you know I"m crazy, I tag Ally, Farah, and Crazy Lady

Brace Yourself

Here's Connor this morning. Pretty nice smile, right. I thought so too. However, the orthodontist disagreed with me. He showed me through lots of x-rays, molds, and pictures that Connor's smile wasn't living up to it's potential. On a bit of a separate note, are there any kids out there that don't need braces? And do they really all need them or is it just a conspiracy to make money. It's definitely expensive. I figured if my parents could do it for me, I better do it for my children, but sometimes I wonder. Braces have changed a bit since I had a metal mouth. It was interesting to watch the process. First they put bands on his back teeth. Connor said the glue tasted really bad. To set the glue on both the bands and the brackets, they used this cool laser.

Apparently, that sets the glue faster and easier than any other way by making the molecules in the glue vibrate. Yeah, I asked lots of questions. Then they cleaned Connor's teeth so the brackets would stick better. They put this awesome plastic thing in his mouth to keep him open for the next part. I thought he looked kind-of like the Joker.They put on this green stuff (technical terms from Amy) to open the pores in his teeth. I didn't know you had pores in your teeth. Apparently having them open also makes the glue stick better. The brackets went on next.

And here is the finished product. This is the after picture. I told Connor that today was the beginning of the end, when his teeth would be pretty, so this picture could also be a before. Connor was most excited about choosing what color of rubber bands would be on the brackets. His type of braces didn't even need these bands, but it is such a deal to the kids, they put them on for them anyway. He went with red and blue, although it probably isn't visible. Ah, those terrific pre-teen and early teen years. At least 75% of the other kids at his school are braced right along with him (conspiracy?)

Halloween

Happy Halloween! This is Kenna sporting a Halloween snack we had. Nice teeth. We spent Halloween in Layton with our cousins. This was kind-of a boring costume year for me. Easy, but not so fun. Katie decided a long time ago she wanted to be a "person dressed all in black with a sword." I asked her if she was a ninja. No, just a person dressed all in black with a sword. She found the hood in our dress up box and the rest was just clothes of hers. Connor was just this scary guy. He added the mask to last year's costume. He wasn't going to go at all until we decided to spend it with the cousins. Chase found his on the internet. It was called "scary jack". We thought he looked like the headless horsemen with his head on. Kenna wanted to be a princess, of course. This was the only one I got to make. I had found the fabric on clearance awhile ago and saved it. Here's a picture of the other Wallace family. We carved our pumpkins on the Wednesday before Halloween, because it was warm and we could do it outside. I guess we got some bum pumpkins because on Thursday when I took the pictures they were already going bad. Chase was pretty upset that his pumpkin was caving in already. We spent the weekend in Layton, celebrating Halloween and November birthdays. We had a great time playing games, football and Rock Band. I just may have to upgrade from Guitar Hero to Rock Band. It was fun. We even made the kids mad by having "adult time" on the game.

Pumpkin Walk

Some of you who have lived here in Logan may fondly remember the North Logan Pumpkin Walk. It's a weird tradition for many of us living in Cache Valley. A bunch of groups get together and create scenes using pumpkins and other gourds and props to go along with the theme for the year. Other people donate time to carve the hundreds of pumpkins that line the walkway. Since I don't claim that artistic gene, it always amazes me what people can come up with to do with pumpkins. When we were here in college, we would go at night. It's fun to see all the carved pumpkins lit. However, now it is to crowded and cold, so we go in the afternoon. I like it better since you can see more. This Noah's ark was my favorite. We also thought the pumpkin fountain you can see in the background here was cool. Connor is posing here with our favorite carved pumpkin. We liked the teeth, so Con is trying to imitate the smile. He doesn't usually like letting me take his picture, so I was pleasantly surprised he did this one. I have to say, even though having your kids get older is so bittersweet, I have been enjoying Connor so much. His sense of humor is great, more adult. He is fun to talk to and tells me alot. It's been fun to see him trying on the self he is learning to be comfortable with. I know this might change and I could be in for some teenage angst and anger, but I'm enjoying this new maturity while it lasts. The end are just some silly pictures we took at the end.

Here's Kenna with her best buddy, Gracie. These two are so alike it's scary and have loved to play together since they were tiny. I firmly believe they were friends in Heaven. They will get up and dance together during Sharing time. We had our Primary Program yesterday and had to laugh when I saw they were on opposite ends of the chapel. Where's Chase? so of you may ask. He didn't feel the Pumpkin Walk was worth his time, so he stayed with a friend. He missed out.

Crazy Hair Days

Our elementary schools do silly days during Red Ribbon Week (say NO to drugs!) like at a high school homecoming week. One of the days was crazy hair day. It's funny because during all of Connor's many years of school (he's in seventh grade), he has never participated in crazy hair day. It's just not his thing and he isn't really comfortable with it. Katie's crazy day was first and she really wasn't sure what to do, but didn't want to do much. This is Katie and her friend Gracie, Katie's little pony is orange if you can't tell.

Then there's Chase. He is much more willing to put himself out there. We had fun doing his hair. It was just what he wanted. Kenna also had to get in on the action a little bit. Fun days.

Week of the Kitten

Last Sunday, these people in our ward called ( I honestly haven't even met them) and told us they had found a kitten and would we like it? I would really like to know why they called us, because it set Katie and I up for a heck of a week. Mike said no, we already have a cat. After he hung up all the kids went crazy. "Can we please have it", "Meisha would love a friend", "I'm sure it is so cute" and on and on. Kate was especially tenacious. She went and got on shoes and jacket to go get it herself, then came in a cried for an hour once she realized we were not going to get it. The next day, she went on a date with her dad. They went to a game place and the pet store where Katie saw "the cutest little orange and white kitten". All we have heard about all week is that kitten. Can I please have it? Dad, did you bring home my kitten today? I'm not eating until we go buy that kitten. It could just live outside. Meisha told me she wanted a kitten. and on and on and on. Saturday she left this picture of she and Mike going to buy the kitten on his pillow and today she wrote in her journal, "I wanted a kitten, but my dad said no." For the record, Mike is a softy and wants to get it for her. I told him he didn't have to say no, I will, just don't say yes.

Quick notes, this is my Dancing Queen. Kenna started dance this fall and I can't believe how happy she is when she comes out of there. All the little girls are so cute. At this age, they pretty much let them wear whatever pretty dance outfits they have. She is in her element.

A couple weeks ago, my parents came to visit. We had a nice time. However, we were hoping to have Dad get some new pictures of my kids, since they turned out so well last time. Not to be. On Saturday, it rained all day. We went out for a minute Sunday afternoon before they had to leave. It was overcast but the light was still bad and boy, the kids were not very cooperative. I may need to learn Photo Shop since I'm pretty backward with that still, but I don't know it that will even help much. This is my favorite, when everyone did "Kenna Pose"

Peaches, Chicken, and Guitar Hero

It's been bottling week at my house. We bought some peaches last weekend and I spent any free time I had making jam and putting up the peaches. It's totally worth it later, but during the time I am doing it, I wonder. We did spend time as a family, working together. The boys blanched and peeled, Mike cut, I filled the bottles. If I was better, I would have a picture of it. Kate was at basketball and Kenna just played. It is better to work together. I also had a friend come over on Wednesday who had never bottled peaches and I taught her how. We spent the afternoon getting hers done. How did those women who bottled everything for their families to live on all winter do it? I was exhausted by the end of the week and my house was a wreck because I didn't have time to clean it. I felt like such a wimp. I generally like to be busy and I don't think I to lazy, but holy cow.

On Tuesday, I spent the day in Preston with one of my girlfriends, canning chicken. That was an experience. I had bought eighty lbs of chicken, because you take up your own. It was this crazy place, very old. You just put your meat or whatever in a can. People were canning pears, potatoes, carrots or even chili and soup. Anyway, after we put the chicken in the can, they put it in this steam cooker thing and cooked it. When it was done, you put the lid on, then they put it in a huge pressure cooker for more time. It looks like this when it's done. I put 3-4 chicken breasts in a can. It was totally worth it. I have a ton of chicken in my storage and it's super easy to use as it's already cooked.

Now for my guilty pleasure. I'm ashamed to admit this, but I love Guitar Hero. I'm pretty good to. I don't care much for video games and my kids will be the first to tell you I'm mean about limiting their screen time. Connor bought Guitar Hero. I have to admit when I first heard about this game, I didn't understand why so many people liked it, but I am hooked. I do limit my time and I didn't play at all last week with all that crazy canning, but I played yesterday. Maybe it's my unfulfilled secret desire to be a star. It bugs my boys that I am better at this game than they are.

Here are some random pictures from the week. This is where Kenna is sleeping tonight. Chase with Mike's new fish tank. He got this at a garage sale for $25 dollars. It had rocks, filter, everything with it except fish. It even had some unopend filters in it that were the wrong size. Mike took them back to Petsmart for a $20 credit. Sweet deal if you like fish tanks. Summer is officially over when the pool goes down.

Happy Birthday to Katie

Yesterday was Katelyn's seventh birthday. She isn't the oldest in her class, but almost. The kids started school a few days ago. Mike's parents took us to dinner at a local restaurant and this is what they brought Katie for her birthday. It was huge.Katie couldn't wait to open her presents so we did it right after breakfast. She was really excited about her sticker machine and her Indiana Jones legos. She invited two friends over for cake, play, and miniature golf in the afternoon. They didn't like the golf course so much because it didn't have castles and Ferris wheels and those types of holes, so they ended up playing in the water. She chose a football cake, (another masterpiece for me). All in all a terrific day.

These pictures are from our last trip of the summer. At the beginning of the summer, we asked each of the kids to tell us one thing they would really like to do during the summer and we tried to get that in. Connor had said Wildhorse and the Unitahs ( he couldn't keep it to one), Chase said Lava Hot Springs, Kenna didn't really care and Katie's choice was a camp out with just our family. We did it the weekend before school started. We drove up on Sunday after church and came home Tuesday. We really had a great time. Katie just bounced with happiness the whole time and we got in everyone's request. We camped in St. Charles Canyon, by Bear Lake. There was a stream behind our campground and the kids kept saying, "Oh, Grandpa would love to take pictures of this." So they took me everywhere Grandpa would like to take a picture and I took them. A few are on the side. On Monday, we hiked to Bloomington Lake. This was everyone's favorite. The hike was like the hike to Fall Creek, about 1/2 a mile and easy, but it got you to this beautiful mountain lake. The boys loved the rope swing off a tree. Kate swang out also, but didn't drop into the water. We spent the whole afternoon there. I just took pictures and watched. It was relaxing. You could fish there too. The next day, we saw a moose by the water, just behind our camp. I didn't get a picture, too many trees. Then we went to Minnetonka cave. That's also fun. We spent the afternoon at Bear Lake and came home. I think it might have been my favorite trip of the summer.