Heidi's Words

Well, we seem to be all about Heidi this week!  If you are close to us, you would know that Heidi doesn't talk much yet.  We're not super worried about it, but we do keep track of her words so we know when she's added one.  Recently, she added "Three!"  Before she jumps off of something, she'll say, "three, three THREE!!!" and then jump.  I think it's super cute.  Here is an example from the other day at the park:

first piglets

Saturday morning was cut everybody's hair day.  Emilee and Heidi always want to get in on this action and have a turn wearing the cape while I style their hair.  This week, Heidi tried on her very first set of pig tails!  They lasted until nap time when we took them out so she could be comfy (because Grampy wasn't around to protect her from uncomfortable rubber bands - he is the watch dog for such things).  Anyway, it was so cute!

a chair for Heidi

Heidi and I happened upon this little old child's table chair in our perusing through a thrift shop a few weeks ago.  She loved sitting in it, and I though it was adorable so home it came!  The paint was in pretty poor condition, but the chair was sound in the joints.  So, we cleaned it up, sanded it down, and painted it. . .

Emerald GREEN!  I have ordered a piece of oil cloth to make a seat cover out of (I don't want to wreck the weaving with spilled milk and such), but Heidi just couldn't wait to start putting it to use.  She loves to sit in her new green chair!

When you're #5

 Sometimes you learn to take matters into your own hands. . .

 Gilligan's island is much more enjoyable with a high carb snack.  Leftover noodles do the trick!

the Talent Show!

Saturday night was our Ward Talent Show!  I was basically spearheading the whole thing.  It was a ton of work, but so worth it!  There were many great acts and lots of fun had by all.  We also allowed the YW to hold their cake auction between acts.  This is the cake I made for them.  It fetched $220 at auction and will help fund their program.  Mmm. . . German Chocolate!  We bought the cake to the left, and it has been enjoyed by all (Tehetian Vanilla!)

All of our kids participated in the talent show!  First, Emilee and her friends Agnes and Cambri did the bunny hop!  It was so adorable if I do say so myself.  Here is the video!



And Ethan and his friend Henry played highlight's from the star war's saga on trumpet and slide trombone.  Their younger siblings provided theatrical entertainment in the background.  Loved it!


It was such a great night!  Proud of my kids for braving the stage!

Emilee's Spring Recital

This past Friday was Emilee's spring recital.  The little girls were so cute!  They danced their little hearts out. Of course, for Emilee, one of the best parts of having a recital is getting to wear makeup.  She made me a list on Monday so we wouldn't forget anything.  It said:

Take a nap
Eat some Protein
Hair Do - Simple pony tail
Mascara
Blush
Lip Gloss

We got everything done and took a few pictures.  It's a little strange to see her in mascara!  She looks like a little dolly!

Here she is with her little class.  Just look for the little one!

 Flowers from Daddy!

 Emilee and her Bestie, Agnes.

And here is the video!  Click the link to enjoy!

District Orchestra Festival

Picture this, 431 string students, of differing levels, all playing together.  This past Thursday was the district wide orchestra festival.  Everyone from the 4th grade beginning strings program, through the elementary orchestra, to the Junior High and the High Schoolers were playing.  And as the grand finale, they all played together!

Here is a video of Aidan's performance.  And don't tell him I said so, but I think this boy is enjoying this.  I still don't expect him to want to play forever, but I definitely stand by our decision to start him, and think it has been a great learning experience for him!  He's excited to join the elementary orchestra next year where they will get to play in more parts.

During the last song, "Libertango" I tried to focus in on Aidan, but all you'll get is the top of his head.  If you look closely you can see his little bow bowing!  Listening to him play in a huge ensemble like this was inspiring, and he definitely enjoyed the experience of playing with the big kids.

After his performance, I said, "Aidan!  I had no idea!  You have really improved!"  This comment came because I don't get to hear a lot of violinning from him.  He practices for an hour every morning at school, and I don't get to hear much.  His reply, "I fooled you!  You thought I was still playing hot cross buns!"  The trickster!!!

Check Yes or No

Chandler is our little note writer lately.  Any time he wants to do something, especially if he thinks we might say no, he writes a note and sticks it somewhere I'll see it.  I find them on the fridge, oven, my bedroom door, the table.  There are usually check yes or no boxes and places to sign our names.  Can I watch TV?  Can I play your iPod?  I kind of love it.  It reminds me a little of junior high romance.  :)

This and That

It's been a busy week or two!  Here is a little bit of what's been happening. . .

We inhereted the cutest little picnic table from a friend who had outgrown it, just in time for some spectacular spring weather.  We have had a glorious spring, and hope it stays!  Lots of fun picnics to come here. . .

I spent a few days of free time refinishing this old cabinet that was a freebie years ago.  It started like this:  waterstained top, dings and scratches EVERYWHERE.  It looks pretty good in the picture, but it was beat up, trust me.  Anyway. . .

 I took the top down to bare wood and re stained it, and refinished the cabinet it'self in a creamy white.  I am pleased with how it turned out.  I do love a good paint job when it turns out well!

 We broke out the swimmies for the first time!  A lawn sprinkler was all we needed for a little fun.

 And, it's mother's day!  We've been to many a baseball game the past couple of weeks, and yesterday's ended with each of the boys presenting their mother with a rose and a card.  So sweet!

Happy Mother's Day to Me!

I do love all these little people that call me mom.  So thankful to have each one of them in my life!