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