Bishop's Storehouse

Matt was nice enough to take the kids to the Bishop's Storehouse for the afternoon.  I was a little worried that they would act like crazy children and drive Matt nuts but they ended up loving it.  I think Kaden has told me how awesome it was at least 16 times and has begged me to take him as soon as possible.  For anyone who doesn't know what the Bishop's storehouse is it's basically a grocery store that our church is able to set up from our fast offerings to help the needy in the area.  Fast offerings are a donation we give once a month on Sundays.  We fast for 3 meals and give the money we would have spent on food to this fund and it in turn helps families in the area that are down on their luck.  The kids got to go and stock the shelves and help put orders together.  Who would have known that the kids would love that.  I now know that my kids can actually enjoy helping me grocery shop and unload from Costco.  All in all it was a great lesson in service and fun at the same time.  Thanks Matt!

Piano Recital

This year's piano recital was pretty exciting.  Not only were Grandma Linda and Grandpa Tim there plus Aunt Allie but it was right before Tanner's baptism.  We raced to the baptism with minutes to spare after the recital.  Despite all the crazy excitement the kids did great.  The boys looked handsome and Taylor looked beautiful.  They played very well and worked so hard to get ready for this special day.  I am a little embarrassed to say but I don't always get to hear them practice because the boys practice at 6:30 in the morning before I am awake.  When I do wake up to their music I have to say it is the best way to wake up.  Another beauty of being a Mom instead of an alarm clock I get toddler kisses, 6 year old giggles and mini concerts every morning.  Nothing is better than that.

The program - I want the kids to remember what they played over the years

I love uniforms.  Whether they are Military, athletic, or service oriented.  I have to say one of my favorite uniforms is seeing little boys dressed up in shirt and ties.  You see their potential as men, missionaries and professionals.  You see two pictures at once, the little boy side by side with the young man.  I love having all my boys including my biggest boy Travis all dressed up for church in their shirts and ties.  Boy does it tug at my heart strings.  Especially since I seem to be prone to surrounding myself with boys.

Tanner was all ready for his recital and his baptism immediately following.  He specifically picked out his green tie from Tonya and Adam's wedding because it's his favorite color and because he likes his chameleon eyes to change from blue to green while wearing it.

   Dapper Dan

Taylor is starting to get to the point where she shuns pictures (and I thought I trained her better).  She either will only pose with completely silly faces or she won't pose at all.  Today was one of those days.  At least we got to hear her amazing talents.  She constantly amazes me with how 

musically talented she is!

Taylor is trying to act nonchalant at being recognized for her Certificate of Merit that she earned.  She and Kaden both participated in it this year and worked really hard to pass.  It is going above and beyond having typical piano lessons.  They have to take 2 separate tests and pass both.  It is a great type of pressure and I will not lie and say that they love it but it is very valuable in a lot of ways and I keep telling them that one day (possibly in 20 years) they will thank me for gently making them do it.