PATRIOTIC PROGRAM

Steve and I went to the 5th Grade Patriotic Program this morning. Katie and Becky both participated. I enjoy the Patriotic Programs probably the most. I love listening to the children sing the Star Spangled Banner, God Bless America, the Constitution Song.
The sang a song about the importance of voting. Which gave Becky the chance to spell out the letter V-O-T-E like a cheerleader

Have you ever just stopped and listened to children's voices. I swear their is just something special that come through those sweet voices. The sang a song, "Thank You, Military" as a video projected images of service people and their families. I was tearing up and I am not sure if it was because of those beautiful voices or the moving images that came off the screen. Katie and Becky were hoping that their Papa Sansevero was going to be there, so he could stand and be recognized as having served and protected our freedom. So I want Pop to know that we thank him too...

JUST CHARMING

Last week while I was at bowling my friend Lindsi brought in some charms her sister had made. They were so cute. I chose one and thought it might be fun to make some of my own. So this afternoon Katie and I brought out the beads and pliers and went to work.
Before we got started we took a "field trip" to Hobby Lobby to buy some extra jump rings. While we were there Katie began eyeing the different charms. She was so cute. She would look at the price and then ask if she was figuring the correct tax. I thought she was thinking of buying a charm for herself, but it was then that she told me she wanted to purchase the charm for me to thank me for teaching her today. HOLY COW!!! That was such a neat thing to hear. I told her how much I appreciated the gesture, but I thought she should buy one for herself to put on the necklace we were making. I have the most thoughtful kids.
Once we got home, I brought out my boxes of beads and the ones that she got for Christmas. I explained and showed her how to make the loops. I thought for sure she would have problems making the loops. I explained she had to be patient and not to get frustrate. The little stinker got her loop right on the 1st try. Within about 30 minutes she had finished her charm. And was so proud of herself.

I made 2 of my own, but have to admit, making the loops were a little harder for me. The best part was spending the afternoon doing something creative with my girl.

TWIN'S WAX MUSEUM

Yesterday was the 3rd grade WAX MUSEUM.

It is quite a production. First the girls had to choose a person from history to read a book about. Then after they finished there book they wrote a two page report. Then once that was completed they made a poster using pictures of the subject of their report, quotes and high points in their life. Then I made a couple of trips to Deseret Industries (2nd hand store) and acquires clothes that I could use to make the girls costumes.

Becky had chosen Stonewall Jackson to do her report about. I was kind of glad she sis not just choose a typical woman from history. She was a little nervous initially about dressing up as a man, but once the costume was made she was tickled...especially with the beard. I think she turned out quite good. I purchased the grey jacket in the women's department and added the gold buttons, trim and cording. The hat we bought at a party supply store and added the braiding and turned up the one side. I made the beard and mustache from a piece of felt. She made an adorable Stonewall.
Katie had chosen Annie Oakley . She loved the story of Annie Oakley. I found her ensemble also at DI. I cute little western shirt and an adorable denim skirt. We braided her hair and she borrowed Belle's cowboy hat. She was a cute cowgirl. At the wax museum, when you walked around the room and looked at each "wax figure", you could push a yellow sticker that was on their hand and the wax figure would come alive and tell you their story. It was fun to hear their stories and see how creative the costumes were.

TEDDY the HAMPSTER

Tuesday after school Hailey came over to play with the twins. They decided to take Teddy out to play in the front yard. I have never thought I would have a hairy rodent like creature intentionally living in my house and then we got Teddy. I actually enjoy seeing the girls play with him. They giggle and laugh. A sound I truly love.

Spring Soccer

Yesterday was the last day of spring soccer. Katie and Becky had been playing on the same team (they have the bright yellow jerseys on) that was named the Golden Tigers. This was the first season that they really seemed to have caught on to some of the strategy of the game. It was a bit more fun to watch.
This was Belle's 1st time ever playing soccer. She has devoted much of her time to dance, but this year I thought it might be fun for her to try something new. Her team was the Dalmatians (they wore white jerseys and red socks) and she got to play with a few of her classmates: Megan and Savannah, from school. She enjoyed soccer so much, that she is considering spending next year playing sports rather than dance.

Chinese New Year

Today Katie and Becky came home from school so excited because they had celebrated Chinese New Year. They had volunteers come to their classroom to help in the celebration. They made these cute little hats, were given chopsticks and then made these cool dragons. They were excited to tell me that this year 2008 is the Year of the Pig (**update-I have been informed by a reliable source that 2008 is the year of the RAT...thanks Mabel). What a neat opportunity for the girls. I love when the children are exposed to the arts and history.

One of the reasons were are so excited about Chninese New Year this year is because our Grandma and Grandpa are on vacation in Taiwan with our Aunt Mabel and Uncle Chip. They are actually getting to participate in all the celebrations that are happening there. We are so excited to hear the stories of what a REAL Chinese New Year celebration is like. Mom has been taking pictures of everything and gathering momentos from all their journeys. How blessed we are to have Mabel in our family. She has lived in Taiwan and her father still lives there and have taken Mom and Pop to all the cool places and sites.

So happy Chinese New Year or "Gung hay fat choy" to you all.

Katie's Harvest

This year Katie has developed a green thumb. It all started with her tomatoes. Steve bought each of the children a tomato plant. Katie was the one that was so intune with tending her pant. The first thing she would do when she came home from school was go out and water her plants. She was the first one to get tomatoes off her plant.

Then a few weeks ago I walked out our back garage door and saw this HUGE pumpkin vine that had taken over that section of the yard. Lo and Behold, under all the leaves and vines was the biggest pumpkin I had even seen grown in our yard. Later I found out that it was Katie's. Steve had given her a couple of seeds and and this is what they had produced.

YOWZERS!!!

I have loved seeing the pride she as in her accomplishment. We have put the pumpkin into our front yard so it can orange up. Katie has talked about wanting to carve her treasure. Watch for the next blog entry...