read-a-thon

Last month the kids had a Dr. Suess read-a-thon at school. Ellie decided to read an hour or two (or more) every day instead of the thirty minutes I required. She took second place in the second grade and won a new backpack, folders, several school supplies, and a bucketload of candy. She was also awarded a couple gift certificates. I was very proud of her for being so disciplined and dedicated to her goals. Way to go Ellie!!!!

lunch duty

Alex came home from school all excited the other day because he got to be a lunch helper. One of the boys that was supposed to help came with a blue mowhawk and got sent home to get a hair cut. Alex said the only bad part was that he had to wear gloves and an apron. I had to get a picture of him in his hat because he was so proud that he had been able to help out. He has been a great helper at home doing the dishes too. It is so nice to have kids who are old enough to really help out...especially one's that are willing. Thanks for being a great helper Alex!!!!

loose tooth(s)

Ellie and Zack both lost their front right teeth within a day or two of each other. Smile!!!

MUD!!!

This is one of those moments where as a mother you have to stand back and laugh (and snap a picture) though your kids absolutely hate you for it. Maddie had been playing outside with her brothers and tried to dodge a snowball....only having her mother's coordination she ended up face first in a pile of mud. After the initial tears and a warm bath she decided it was pretty funny too and we both had a good laugh.

The Utah Jazz

Jim recieved a well deserved break a couple weeks ago from the auditors that work with his company. They took him and a few other guys from the Leavitt group out to play golf, to dinner, and then to a Jazz game. The best part of the day for Jim was sinking the winning putt and then going to the Jazz game as a VIP member. They sat on the bench during warmup and got signatures from all the players. Though Jim spent most of the day on the phone transacting business, he looked as though he was able to relax and enjoy himself....

Grand Canyon photos

The Grand Canyon

Jim had a birthday on March 5th. Our kids were gone for the weekend so we took advantage of the time alone and ran away for a couple days. Our plans changed last minute due to weather so we decided to head a little further south than Zions. I was very excited about our change of plans as I had never been to the Grand Canyon. Jim went as a "little pup" but didn't remember much. We had a very relaxing drive and enjoyed the time away from the craziness of life. Enjoying God's creations always seems to bring a sense of peace and calm for me. Enjoy the beautiful pictures and claim a second of peace for yourself!

Bobcat Award

Trevor recieved his bobcat in February. (For those of you who know as much as I do about scouting, this is the first award a scouter can earn.) He was presented his award by his dad and got to pin the mother's pin on me. He was very excited to get his first award, but a little nervous about poking me with the pin. Way to go Trevor!

Grandparents Day

Ellie had Grandparent's Day in her 2nd grade classroom last month. They performed a 30 minute program-singing, dancing, and reciting poems. Ellie did a great job. Here is a picture of her with her teacher, Mrs. Whetman.

So......I guess it has been a while since I have written anything. Life has been "normal" and mellow for the last little while and I guess I am just enjoying it too much. I have been spending my free time planning-- menus, food storage, garden plans, and emergency information and enjoying reading some books that my sister-in-law recommended. I will try to find something exciting to blog about soon.... but for the moment I am going to enjoy my relatively "quiet" life (as quiet as it can be with 5 kids running amuck) and finish getting organized (is that possible???).