Surprise Party for Rachel!

My heart couldn't have been more full as it was on this day.  Camryn & Brooklyn planned and carried out a surprise birthday party for Rachel Ballard, a cute girl in their primary class with cerebral palsy.  Camryn made the most darling Minnie Mouse invitations and they made a beautiful cake.  Every single girl from their primary class came.  Rachel was so excited when she came through the door and all the girls jumped out.  She said, "Thank you so much!"  We enjoyed playing pin the ears on the Minnie, Disney name that tune, painting nails, and eating cake.  We feel so blessed to have this special little girl live so close to us.  She is the best.

The crazy shenanigans happened after Rachel left.

Sleeping Beauty

These cute girls auditioned for "Sleeping Beauty" clear back in May.  Only about 1/4 of all the kids who auditioned got into the play so the girls were pretty grateful.  They got the parts of Maleficent's goons.  Ha!  It was perfect for them :)  Practice was pretty intense starting at the end of August.  6 hours of practice each week, and the final few weeks was 4 1/2 hours every night.  The play was the week before Thanksgiving break.  7 performances!  I got to see 4 of them :)  I sold concessions a couple nights.  The play was INCREDIBLE!  Some of those kids are just out of this world.  Jules is an amazing director.  I'm so incredibly grateful for Camryn and Brooklyn.  They worked hard on this play and never complained once.  They loved every minute of it.  They are fun kids.  Love them to pieces.

BYU Game

Go Cougs!

Kendyl and Mommy Day

I'd like to do this with each of my children.  This month, Kendyl was the chosen one while the twins were at play practice and the boys were at Boston's.  We went to Station Park and got Fizz drinks, a perfume at Bath & Body, and a new outfit at Old Navy.  She could hardly believe any of it was happening.  I'm grateful for grateful kids.  Love this cute Kendyl Babe.

No Girls Allowed

So, Nic decided the boys needed their own fort.  So he and Nixon sat down and drew out their plans, then10 minutes later, he built them one ;)  He let them help him build it.  They spent all week adding levels, railings, and cool secret stuff.  There's even a bb gun that sits way up high..... hmmm.  Nixon is a pretty good shot though!

Iron Man

Dad got an Iron Man mask.  The boys put their new costumes on (Iron Man and Captain America), and they battled for a good 2 hours.  Amazing.  Wish my pictures were better.

B's Big Heart

Brooklyn, where did you come from?  Your love and concern for others, especially those with special needs, is so great, I just stand back and watch you and feel like I'm in the presence of an angel.  You do it without anyone asking you to.  It's the pure goodness in your heart.  It's not just once in a while, you're helping and loving these children every single day.  I know you were sent to this earth to teach me so many lessons.  Xavier and Rachel are special kids and I know they'll always hold a special place for you in their hearts, just as they hold a special place in yours.  You're making such a difference, not only to them, but to everyone you meet.  You bring peace and friendship everywhere you go and I'm so grateful for the sweetheart you truly are.

B helps Xavier with his math homework every day.  She wasn't asked to, but she knows he needs it.  She told me that she never has time to get her own done, so she has to do it at home.

Rachel loves having the chance to read scriptures.  Here is Brooklyn helping Rachel say the words.