Back into the swing...

I found this picture on my sister-in-law's website...this is so Alec. He is just a goof! This morning he just goes around squaking and chasing Shep, Dallen, whomever...and then when he is done with that, he just finds other entertainment. I really can't ever see him bored! He definitely makes this house lively!

I don't know what it is, but getting back to a schedule is hard...but nice at the same time. This week was calm for the most part. Scott and I went to a "Family Focus Specatcular" last night. It had four "classes" that you choose to go to and learn different subjects. My brother, Geoff, was one of the guest speakers. He speaks about pornography and addictions. I have heard him speak before and he does an excellent job. We selfishly chose to go to different classes because we were looking for other things to learn about. It was good. We learned about money management from Hyrum Smith, and about strengthening our marriage from Doug Brinley, and then about parenting from Mark Ogletree. They were all really good and informative. We got brave and sat with the Deaf people and actually managed to make some conversation. I think the reason it is so scary to me is because I don't know what to say. I don't know what to say to people in normal situations, and then to throw sign language into it...well, it's just scary. The ones we talked to were great and I, personally, look forward to more.

The kids just informed me this morning that we have some neighbors complaining about the half-pipe. It is getting used a lot more, so I am not surprised. Supposedly we will probably be seeing the cops soon. Oh, well...whatever happens, happens. The kids are only allowed to do it when it is light and not any time before 10:00 am. But, I guess that isn't enough for this one neighbor. I am surprised that this hasn't happened before. Of course, it is getting used a lot more. Well...we'll keep you posted.

and the Wii-ner is...

Wow! We have had an action packed week. It started last week with our neighbor (right next door) getting their house broken into during the day (11:00 in the morning). She had gone to the gym and during that time two punk kids, who were raiding the neighborhood, broke their back door (it had a glass window in it) and ransacked their house. It was crazy that it happened in broad daylight on our busy street. There was a guy in our ward who had driven by and had seen two kids, one with a backpack and the other with a full pillowcase, and was able to give the police a description of the two kids. Not to mention, they left muddy footprints in the direction they went and dropped other jewelry from other houses they had robbed and their phone. The police caught them both and our neighbors got back EVERYTHING that was stolen. It shook us all up, though. It's not the stuff that we care about, but the violation. Anyway...it was crazy.

Then there was a 12-hour flu going through the boys. Scott and I didn't get it. Scott is fighting me that there is no such thing as a 12-hour flu and that it was just food poisoning...so if there are any others that think like he does...please inform me. Anyway, it started with Dallen, then hit Ashton, then Calvin, then Alec and Derrek. I had gotten home from going to the store around 12:00 am and Derrek and Calvin were up because they couldn't stop puking. It was great. So, I cleaned things up and just waited until they were able to get back to sleep. Calvin was doing the worst and Scott gave him a blessing and Calvin didn't throw up again after that. Calvin seems to have experiences like that. He must have unshakable faith when it comes to the power of a blessing of healing.

The next morning we were to all eat breakfast with the Steurer group for Christmas Eve day. Needless to say, we didn't make breakfast. The rest of the group was nice to wait for us to re-group and let us play the "Wii Bowling" tournament. I hope no one else got sick...of course if it was just food poisoning, then there is nothing to worry about. The boys were funny because they would just sit on the couch and flick their wrists and get a strike, and the rest of us were playing like it was real life...practicing our spins and making sure our follow-through was just right! It was fun. Derrek won the whole tournament, with Ashton in 2nd place, Geoff's son, Andy, in 3rd, and my sister Julianne in 4th (yeah Ju!). My mom gave gift cards to all those who participated and Scott even got a bonus $10 for getting the lowest score out of all the games and not breaking 100! He needs to practice. Then my dad said "let's do a winner takes all game". So those who wanted, threw in their $5 gift card to play for the pot. My dad won. Derrek thought he had it in the bag because he had just beaten everyone...not so! Derrek played a few more games, but was losing them and was not as confident. My dad talked him into doing another "winner take all" game and he would put in the money he had just won and Derrek put in $5 and play for the pot. They did a "practice" game and Derrek decided he could do it. The next game was for the pot. Derrek and my dad were neck and neck and then my dad pulled ahead around the fourth frame. We totally thought my dad would win, even with Derrek getting three strikes right at the end of the game, but we looked and Derrek had beaten him by 5 points. It was exciting and Derrek walked away that day with $60.

We had a good Christmas. It was quiet. The kids got stocking and traded brother gifts. They were so cute because they wrapped things that they had and gave them to the brother they knew would want it. Derrek gave Calvin some jeans and Calvin gave Derrek a shirt that he had wanted. Dallen and Ashton had wrapped stuffed animals for each other. There was actually a lot they had given each other. It was great to see. The gift that Scott (and I) was giving them, we weren't able to do because it rained all day. But Friday was great weather and also yesterday. We cut down the half-pipe and the kids got to paint it with some sealer and hopefully it will get used a little more and last better with the coating on it. I have attached a picture of the old (it's not the best picture, but gives you an idea of what was cut off) and the new. There is also a cute picture of our dog, Shep, with the biggest bone we could find him...he loves it. And, here is also a picture of the boys on Christmas morning before they "opened" their stockings. And one of Derrek with all the gift cards that he had won. We spent the rest of Christmas day with family and had a really good time and lots of great food.

Well, we hope that everyone else is well and having a great Christmas break.

Let it snow...Let it snow...Let it snow...

Well, I haven't blogged for a couple of weeks because there really isn't much to blog about. We are doing the same old, same old. Today, though...it snowed/is snowing here in St. George. I think this is the first one that we have had before Christmas. I can seriously get in the Christmas spirit now! I have attached a video of how much fun the kids and the dog are having in the snow. I am glad we get it every once in awhile, so that we can enjoy it from the comforts of our home, but I am also glad that we don't get it on a regular basis.
The only other thing that I can think of that has been going on is that Derrek's voice is changing. At first I thought he had a cold, but it doesn't seem to be going away! It is pretty funny to hear his voice crack. Another thing about Derrek is he is becoming just like his ol' man. He is quite an accomplished wood worker. He lathed out a small baseball bat, a pen and he has also made a skim board and other things. He is also like his ol' man in the fact that it has to be done perfectly and so his projects sometimes gets his grade in trouble because he ends up taking a little more time than most people do, just so that it is perfect. It's fun watching him grow up and find his little talents and things he likes (that goes for all of them, for that matter).
Well, I am sure I will have more to share on Sunday. Hope everyone is doing well...