Winners!

The silver, gold and bronze cup
The anticipation at the finish line

Gold cup and gold medal

Our weekends have been pretty packed with basketball, dance and meetings lately. About a month ago, Christian had a basketball game, Alyssa had a dance competition, we had the pinewood derby and I was in charge of our ward chili cookoff that night. Christian has actually been making some shots at his games and is really starting to like basketball. Alyssa works hard at her dance and it shows. We are so impressed when we get to watch her. And the culmination of the day's efforts--first place for both kids!

Scott hadn't had a lot of time to work on Christian's pinewood derby car with him, and we were surprised when he won first out of about 12 boys. But it was exciting! The chili cookoff went really well. We got some family pictures taken but haven't gotten them back yet. We did a western theme and everyone dressed up. I am just really glad that's over! We went to bed tired but feeling pretty good.

Daddy's old!

35!

We were up in the nosebleeds. The stage at Kingsbury Hall pictured below. It was a really old building and a lot of famous people had been there. The older I get the more I appreciate history.

I cannot believe that Scott and I are turning 35 this year. Well, Scott already has. Entering the 30s was not that big a deal, but how did we get halfway through?
Scott usually has a list of things he wants, but he's pretty good at figuring out how to get that stuff without spending a lot of money and without my help. So this year I didn't buy anything but decided we would do something I wanted (kind of like we did something he wanted on my birthday--we're weird). So we went out to dinner at our favorite restaurant and then to a play at Kingsbury Hall. It was fun. It's been a long time since we've been to the theatre. It was an adaptation of C.S. Lewis's "The Screwtape Letters." Scott has been listening to a lot of books, and he really loves C.S. Lewis. I always forget how insightful he was until I hear his stuff again. He was an amazing man.
What made the night even more interesting--as I was looking at the lady sitting next to us I asked Scott if it wasn't our high school Spanish teacher. It was. We met in her class, and that's where he first asked me out. So it was sentimental. We chatted with her for a few minutes and remembered how crazy she was. But it was good remembering our roots.
Happy birthday to my wonderful husband! He has become such a helpmeet to me this last year, and I wouldn't be able to do everything without him. He is such a great dad. When the kids cry, they ask for him (mostly because he gives them "special treat" aka candy, but still) and whenever we are doing something fun they want dad to be there. He takes more time with them for one on one than I am able to, and they love it. And I love him for it! He had a good birthday, with 4 birthday dinners and some gift cards and a new ping pong paddle (whatever!). And one to grow on!

Perks

Lyssa's valentine crocodile and fistful of candy

Amber's turtle
I love my job. It has made my life very busy, but I am grateful for the things it's taught me, too. I get to go to assemblies, reptile shows, music time, class parties and get lots of hugs. I got a HAUL this Valentines day, which was so fun! Scott thinks he's off the hook because I got so much stuff, but he has a couple more days to figure out he still owes me.
I forgot how exciting holidays are. I also forgot how satisfying a simple coloring sheet can be. I FINALLY learned how to tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator, and between a turtle and a tortiose. I remember wanting to please the teacher. I feel such pride in our country as I watch the kids sing all the verses to My Country 'Tis of Thee and recite the pledge of allegiance every morning. I'm reminded how resilient kids are. The school I work at has the poorest kids in the city, and they have some sad stories. But they are mostly happy and learn quickly. It has been so rewarding and fun. I wish I had more time to spend in my own kids' classrooms, but I know they're doing well.
Anyway, our Valentine's day was great! I was feeling proud of myself getting everyone dressed in pink and red and having their valentines all ready for their classes and teachers (myself included). And then came home to find out Livi's class actually DID have party, even though I never saw a note. I was so embarrassed. But she thought it was awesome to just sit there and watch people give her candy. I sent her candy with her the next day with a note apologizing for being a bad parent. Just when you start thinking you're good...