Christmas and such

Here is Christmas completely out of order but that is how I do things. It all still works out. This is Ashley in her school choir Christmas program. They did a Charlie Brown Christmas. It was very cute. Ashley is just in the choir because she is too shy to try out for a part.

This is her Jazz Christmas dance. They just learn little routines in a couple of weeks and perform them for parents at the dance studio. It is fun to watch what they have learned.

This is her tap Christmas dance. I did not get a picture of her ballet one because I forgot about ballet that day and we had to rush. We were ten minutes late and I did not have my camera or phone.

James' Christmas gift.

Allison got a sewing machine from Santa. Here is her first attempt at sewing. It is a pillow.

Ashley got a bed for her American girl doll. It did not come with a pillow or blanket so Allison made her one on her sewing machine. Not bad I'de say.

Ashley got a blizzard maker from g-ma and papa Townsend. Ashley would live on ice cream and popcorn if we would let her.

Jason and his pogo stick.

Ashley and her fijit friend from Santa. We did not know what it was either. Good thing Santa knew.

Christmas morning

Ashley's gift from Allison.

Christmas Jammies.

Allison's 15th Birthday

Allison would not tell me what she wanted for her birthday. I was so worried as to what to get her. Then I came up with a great plan. I checked her out of school early on her birthday(it was early day for me) and I took her shopping. I told her how much she had to spend (thanks grandma for some birthday money) and let her "go to town". Our first stop was Icing in the mall. She spent about 1/2 hour and bought 5 rings, 2 bracelets and a necklace. So if anyone knows Allison they know how much she loves jewelry. We then went to JCpenney. All she got there was clothes:). Then we went to her very favorite store Rue 21. She got a cute sweatshirt and some more jewelry. Then we went to look at shoes at Payless. The cute sales lady was showing us all their sales, she seemed so excited. Then she said "and all our jewelry is 1/2 off". Allison and I looked at each other and you should have seen the look in her eyes--I started to laugh and she started to laugh. Anyway she ended up with boots, tennis shoes, a lizard ring, and a very cute watch. It was a really fun day and I am glad that Allison was happy to spend her 15th birthday with her mom. She is such a sweetheart and we have a lot of fun together. Love you Allison. Her 1/2 off boots.

One of her necklaces.

Rings!!

Oh yeah, I forgot she got earrings also.

More rings!! The owl ring was a gift from her friend. If you can't tell the other one is a peacock.

Happy Birthday Alli.

Happy birthday Ashley

She had a friend party on Friday. That was so fun.

We colored picture frames, opened presents, ate cake then went swimming. What a group of silly girls.

They giggled and giggled for three hours.

Family Party

We had to do her family party a day early since mom had class and the girls have dance and so on and so on.

All she wanted was an American girl doll that looked like her.

Do you think she likes it? Well she said this was her best day EVER and she just kept telling us all how happy she was. She is such a fun girl. Nine is a great age.

Combing Lil Ashley's hair.

She said "Thanks so much mom. I am so happy. You are the best"

Happy Birthday Ashley. We all love you so much!

So James bought a little baby bearded dragon. We thought the cat broke into the cage and ate it. So he bought a bigger bearded dragon. Later that day we found the baby dragon in the curtains. James put it in the cage. It looked a little sick and sad but we thought he would get better. The next morning the big bearded dragon ate the little bearded dragon. Everyone was sad and mad at this dragon and wanted to get rid of him. Later that day the kids voted to keep this dragon but they decided to name him Lord Voldemort. This is a very condensed version of the story. I left out most of the drama.

Happy Birthday to a wonderful wife, mom, g-ma and great g-ma

My mom is always on the go. She always has to be "doing". She is happiest when she is "doing" for others. No matter what is going on in her life she seems to be thinking about how she can help others and make their lives easier.

Even though it is gone, this will always be my kids' best memories of their grandma. That and her cinnamin rolls.

My mom loves my dad!! What a wonderful feeling to grow up in a family in which the kids know their parents love each other and they love and serve the Lord. Thank-you mom for your great example.

Late Halloween

After wrestling practice Jarin came home to do homework--so sad:(

Ashley was a rock star. Does the costume look familiar? It should it was her recital costume for tap. I love reusing dance costumes!!! Allison was a fairy and Jason? SCAREY