Inspiring!

I just watched a beautiful new video on Mormon.org, called My New Life.  It is about a young woman/mother, Stephanie Neilson, who was in a near fatal plane crash with her husband.  She was burned over 70% or more of her body, she has lots of physical scars and pain.  She has a blog, in which she has shared many of her trials and how her life has been completely changed, and how she is working to enjoy the life she has been given each day.  I am grateful for her willingness to share it with the world. It is so inspiring to me.  Stephanie says in the video "Each day is a Privilege" and at women's conference, I learned a saying, similar to that-"Wherever you are- Be there!" Enjoy the moment.  I think this is such a great reminder for me. Instead of thinking of the next twenty things I need to do today, I am going to enjoy, EACH and every moment of everyday- whether I am running someone to piano, or activity days or scouts, or just making dinner or doing laundry- I am truly going to find the joy in the moment, and remember that "each day is a privilege"

Roadshow week

This week was the FINAL WEEK OF ROADSHOW. (see video)  Believe it or not, we didn't take one single picture of the roadshow prepartations, however we did record it- and I will post that on the side bar.  Monday we had about 20 kids here painting sets and scenery.  Our neighbors all wondered what the 10 foot tall cardboard and the huge PVC pipe was for and what we were creating.  Tuesday found us at Dress rehearsals, and then Wednesday we performed.  I was so busy these days I don't think I got a picture, but the video says it all.

 A Trip to the Dentist

In the midst of all the roadshow hustle and bustle, Ben's cheek started to swell. It turns out he had an abscess tooth.  So on Wednesday morning he got to visit the dentist and get the tooth pulled.  (Unfortunately the tooth fairy doesn't come for pulled teeth because of cavities- she had to help pay the dentist bill.)  Ben got to pick out a Grape nose for the laughing gas, he thought he looked like an elephant.  On a side note, a small blessing and surprise, because this tooth had been worked on recently, the dentist applied the money that we had already paid.  I felt that was a tender mercy, then later that day, when I was in a hurry to get to the grocery store and back, I found a front row parking spot, in a full parking lot.  I had just told my friend the day before, when she commented on how much time I had to spend on roadshow, that I knew we would always be paid in blessings.  I was laughing at how true that always is.

 JOSH'S 5th GRADE PROGRAM

On Wednesday, after Ben's tooth appointment, Ben and I got to go to Paramount Elementary and watch as Josh performed in his 5th grade musical program.  He did a great job!  It was a really fun program with lots of great songs. The principle and one of the other teachers played "Clark and Lewis" and the kids sang songs depicting their travels.  

 

MEASUREMENT OLYMPICS

On Friday I was back in the school for Brynn's class with Measurement Olympics.  They got to do all sorts of activities with the other 2nd grade classes to test their math skills.  Each class had to design a flag, and Brynn's picture, along with another child in her class (Isaih Vega) was chosen as a side for the flag.  She is quite the artist.

FIRST DAY OF SPRING BREAK

I just had to take a picture of John in "his happy place." Saturday started a full week off of work for him...YEAH! I think he has a full schedule outlined for the week.

 

March 20th Stauchman's Baptism

Convert Baptism
This picture really doesn't do justice to the amazing day that we were able to be part of! We had some friends get baptized today! Jeremy, Susan and Sabrina Stauchman.  Jeremy, the father, had always wanted to get baptized in a River, just like the early saints.  So yesterday we headed down to the river front and watched Jeremy get baptized in the river.  It was such an AMAZING experience.  Here we were surrounded by traffic, and cars and worldliness on all sides, but still the ordinance took place and there was an amazing spirit there.  We then came back to the church so his wife and daughter could get baptized. (This is when this picture was taken, was while we were waiting for the rest to start) We then hosted an open house for them here at our house.  It was a really neat day for them, and for us.  The Lord hand picked this family and I know he has a lot in store for them. I am just so grateful we got to be part of it.

March 19th

Bye Bye Birdie!

This is a picture of Brynn with some of the cast (they are YW in our ward/stake) from Bye Bye Birdie.  We had a great time going to the play- even the boys said they liked it.  They have been singing the songs for the last few days since we saw it....."We love you Conrad.....oh yes we do....."  It was a fun night out with the family.

Building a Better Mousetrap Car

Nathan has been working on his Mousetrap car in tech class at school for the last few weeks.  He has done some fun things to tweak the design trying to get it to go farther.  Today they raced at school, and his car did AWESOME! The record distance was 12 ft.  His car went 22 ft on carpet! Almost double that of the previous cars! His teacher was so impressed he took a picture to hang on his board.  I was very impressed at Nathan's logic and mechanical thought process. He definitely has a mind for this sort of thing and really enjoys it- it comes easy for him. On a side note, the car that came in second, and is the only one that came even close to their distance was one that he helped give suggestions and tips on as well.  I will try to put the video we took of his car on my blog side bar as well if you want to see how it works.  At this rate he will reach his goal of being a rich and famous inventor in no time.....

March 18th

Wheeler "Happy Hour"

Growing up, my dad use to tell me at times, to put my book down and come join the family.  I just have to laugh when I find myself saying that to my own kids now.  Around our house, I don't think any of us enjoy anything more than a good book and a quiet place to read.  I just had to take this picture- it says it all.

March 17th Happy St. Patrick's Day

Leprechaun Gold
We had a little leprechaun visit our house this morning.  Usually he makes a mess of things and tears things up, but this year he just left a few gold coins on the table.  Because mom was so busy with roadshow the night before, we didn't make the traps we normally do, so I think he wasn't quite as annoyed at us this year.  Although, he did find their classrooms at school and made quite a mess there I hear.....

March 16th

Breakfast Chef

Josh has the "privilege" of  being our breakfast chef this year.  It is his job to bet breakfast on and cooking while everyone is getting ready.  He does a great job! I can't even begin to tell you how nice it is to have his help in the mornings.

First Real Walk

Emma and I went for our first "real" walk today.  The weather is finally getting nice enough to be able to take her outside and start walking.  We didn't go far and she was snoozing by the time we got home, but she was sure excited to be going.

Buddies!
Ben and Dannon are Buds! He got to go play for a few hours at Dannon's house today! Tons of Fun!

Happy Birthday Emily!

It was a full day today, and we got to top it off with cake and Ice cream to Celebrate Emily's Birthday.  Lia and Micah stayed with us while Tony and Emily went out for "real" pizza and then over to the Rocky Mountain High School Musical "Bye Bye Birdie" (we are going Friday).  We had fun babysitting, until Lia's full day of celebrating turned into an upset tummy all over Brynn's bed.  That wasn't so much fun, but we really enjoyed being able to help Emily Celebrate her Special day! We love you Emily.

Mystery Visitor at FHE

AMMON the Missionary delivering cookies

Ben was in charge of FHE tonight.  We had a mystery guest come through the "time machine" and teach a lesson on Service.  Our guest turned out to be Ammon from the Book of Mormon.  (Ben dressed the part, sword and all) He taught us that by serving we can be good missionaries, and those we serve will learn the gospel by watching us.  For activity we took cookies to a neighbor as a act of service.

March 2nd

Weblos Award!

Josh earned his Weblos Rank award at the Pack meeting this week!  He worked hard to earn it, and has had some GREAT leaders! Bro. Meyers and Bro. Hendrickson, as well as Bro. Neilson have all helped him earn it. He has made some fun things, such as marshmallow launchers, and gotten to show off his rock collection as well.  I was impressed at how many of the requirements he does just because of the fine young man he is, like getting good grades, and helping his brothers and sisters and serving others.  GO JOSH!  GOOD JOB!  

For the pack meeting the theme was "Taking Flight" and they got to have paper airplane races. They flew his award to him from the back of the gym on a paper airplane also.

March 12th

Looks like Idaho, right?
Ben wanted me to take this picture of his cookie because they are learning about Idaho in  their class at school and he bit his cookie down to make it look like Idaho....sortof.....He spent the afternoon at his friend Garrett's house (next door) making St. Patrick's day cookies.  He had a ton of fun!

New Highchair!

Yeah! Emma got a new high chair today! Oh the small pleasures of life that make mom's life more easy! She looks so little sitting in it! Her appetite certainly isn't little however...she eats double what I think her tummy should actually hold! She is growing up so FAST! Right now she is sitting on the floor next to me scooting backwards and getting frustrated that she can't get the paper she wants.  She'll be crawling in no time I think!

March 11th

Band Concert!

Nathan had a band concert tonight! He was AWESOME! For one of the songs they "Highlighted" the Trombone section. HE IS THE TROMBONE SECTION...he is the only trombone player at Sawtooth middle school.  The part they highlighted he got to do some fun slides and really made the piece they were playing fun.  Tony and Emily joined us that night too. 

Josh ACED his PACE presentation today also.
He was super nervous for it but did a great job, his teacher said he has a talent for speaking in front of people. He presented on Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee.

After such a successful day for both Nathan and Josh, we celebrated with root beer Floats all around!

March 10th

ACTIVITY DAYS!

Brynn learned how to sew at Activity Days this week.  They are working on a Banner to put in their room that says "Holiness to the Lord."  They invited the moms to come help the girls get started on this project. It was fun to go spend some one on one time with Brynn. She did great and got the H on at least. I am so proud of what a beautiful, kind and talented young woman Brynn is growing up to be.

March 8th

FHE! Honesty is the Best Policy!

For Family Home Evening tonight we talked about Jacob Hamblin and how he was completely honest in all his doings.  We talked about how we need to be PERFECTLY honest.  Then we played a game called White Lies that Nathan got for his Birthday. We found out that Nathan and John would eat skunk if given enough money....YUCK!

March 6th

Three Generations of Snowder Women!

It was fun to go visit for Jodi's shower and have a girls day!  Brynn, Emma and I, left the boys at home or at Ang and Tom's and went to Rigby for the day with Ang and Kyli to throw a shower for Jodi and Travis's new baby! We had a good time.  We ate Chicken Salad sandwiches, with fruit kabobs and a yummy cake with strawberry ice cream.  There were about 20 people there and we played some fun games, like Pass the Bloomers, Super Mom, Feed the Baby and Stuff your Shirt.  

Brynn and Kyli blew up all the purple balloons on the way there in the car. They became quite attached to them and started naming them and creating personalities for them.......by the time we finished the shower and were headed home, they had named all the balloons with names from A-Z. Here is their family picture!

February 27th

Piano Festival!

Josh participated in Piano Festival this year at Artswest Charter School. He did a fantastic job- he played two selections: "Jazz Band" and "My Day".  He scored 4 out of 5 for an Excellent rating. This is his third year of doing festival.

March 4th

First Thursday Downtown!

In Boise every month, the first Thursday, alot of the businesses downtown let you do things for free. We went to the Museum of Art and had a GREAT time.  It was all about Robotics.  We got to visit with the man who invented Furbies and the new "companion" a robotic pet that looked like a mini dinosaur.  He had some good advice for Nathan if he wants to be an inventor.  Then we visited all the art exhibits and got to make our own 3-D robots! Here are Brynn and Ben having a Knock out fight with robots.

Ben and Emma and I got to go to Lunch today with Christ Klemme and Ashton also.  We had a wonderful time.  We went to the Great Harvest Store.  They have amazing sandwiches...I could go for one right now.....but the company was even more fun.  We also got to watch the birds eat at all the bird feeders out the windows.  That was the highlight for Ben.

March 9th

Look at this cute outfit Emma was wearing this day! My Visiting teacher made it, complete with the slippers.  Emma wore this to the Play group luncheon at Jana Mayfields and got a ton of compliments.

Valentines Date (Just a little late...)

 Since we were out of town for Valentines day, we were going out on this Friday instead.  Money was limited, so I was trying to come up with something really fun for under $10 including dinner.  I spent the morning coming up with a fun (inexpensive) date to the mall where we had a list of things to "do" i.e. Visit the pet store and pretend to name all the different animals, and then had a coupon for BOGO.  BUT alas, after all that planning, we got off to a late start, and Emma came with us, so we ended up just going to Macaroni Grill (I am NOT complaining) instead.  We then headed to Barnes and Noble to go read children's books and spent 2 hours listening to music and reading to each other.  John picked the book "Why the mosquito buzzes in people's ears" and I picked "Pirates don't change diapers."  Both were fun books.  John was obsessed with finding the name of a song we heard at Macaroni Grill, so we spent an hour listening to opera- we found it though.  I love spending time with my Valentine.  The mall date won't go unused however, we plan to invite a few couple to join us in a week or two.

My goal

My goal is to create a memory with my husband and children EVERYDAY and then blog about it.  Somedays it may be amazing and other days it may be simple, but either way, I want to remember and live EVERYDAY!