Notable Firsts!

In the last year, Justin has reached a few milestones! These are so exciting to us, I thought we'd share. His brothers taught him how to blow bubbles with bubble gum. Here is the bubble he blew today:

 Last week he lost his first tooth. Wow, what a cutie! He enjoyed the money from the tooth fairy. :)

 And just a couple months ago, Jeremy taught him how to ride his bike without training wheels...yes he's wearing his pajama bottoms. (I'll give you a reward if you can get him to get dressed every day-I'm mean, other than PJs!)

                      And now, he is learning to tie is shoe. Is there anything stopping this boy?!

I hope not ;)

A Chef in the Family!

In April, Michael had the opportunity to be in a "Young Chef's Competition". This is where the children are able to show off their creative skills in foods to be used in the school cafeteria (or so I was told...).

Just before the competition started

He decided to do a "Specialty Sandwich" that our family created a few years ago. It was a version that he loves the most including a special black bread that's toasted, tomato, black pepper cheese, onion, mayo/mustard, and avocado.

Here he is, serving it up!

Sandwich samples

There was a prize offered to the best decorated table, so we decorated the table to go along with the theme of the food he was serving.

Michael named it "Chef's delight" since that is
exactly how he feels about it!

So as you can see, we ran with the Chef as our theme.

Breath mint anyone?

here is an overview of the whole table (half).

All competitors, just before serving their dishes.

There were quite a few children entered into the competition. 

Michael was the only one from his school to enter the challenge.

After group pictures, the children served their tables 

beautiful display!

                                          And the judges came around to sample their foods:

                                                      Then the winners were announced:

The boy that shared Michael's table was the winner, who was also an only from his school his name?
 His name was John, who made a veggie apple wrap. So delicious!

The grand prize was an ipod touch.

                                                          Everyone received an award, and consolation prize.

During the competition I learned that not all the judges try all the dishes. Had I known this, I would never have allowed Michael to enter. A true, fair competition, gives everyone the real opportunity to be recognized.

So I'm glad I didn't know, because then we would never have had the experience, which was a good one. Though Michael was disappointed he didn't place, he did a wonderful job and expressed his happiness for John winning. He walked away a good sport. Great job to Michael, it was definitely worthwhile!

What They Say Wednesday

Alyssa: eating what Michael considered meat that was too raw ( medium rare)
Michael: "Alyssa you're gonna die."

Alyssa: speachlessly looking at Michael, while continuing to chew the delicious meat.
Michael: "You need to make a bucket list!"

Alyssa: Eyeing Michael-expressionless.
Michael: putting one arm around Alyssa's shoulders, "We'll make ours together.

I need one too."

 After this senario occured, I realized that I had not made a bucket list either. Ever. In all my 41 years. I've decided it is now time to make one. Cause it's not that I"ve never thought of one, so much as I just have never written it down. SooOooo, here goes:

1. Go hangliding
2. Try a waitressing job
3. Own a salon, or manage one (of choice)
4. Learn to play the guitar
5. Take a ride in a hot air balloon
6. Go on a trip to the orient
7. Go on an Alaskan cruise
8. Work at a fast food joint for at least two weeks
9. Go back for a nursing degree...or some degree
10. Sing a solo in church
11. Learn a 3rd language (german?!)

12. be in a play or musical
13. be on the radio with a D.J.
14. Be hired for decorating jobs

..........................

Pretty big list....
                                                   ...................SOME DAY!

In the Lord's Hands

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Of Worth

I had an eye opening experience about money when we lived in Mexico. I remember shopping in the market before the worth of a peso meant anything to me and not really knowing how much I'd spent by the time the shopping trip was finished. Not long after that, Steve sat down with me and explained what each coin and dollar was valued at and suddenly, it was of worth. Before that, it meant nothing. Having this experience helped me to appreciate what I found this morning.
                             Alyssa's doll purse on the floor. Picking it up I heard a jingling sound.

 Looking inside, I found what I thought I would find. Coins.

 Looking closer, I had to smile upon realizing what coins they were...

the only type that have true value to a child.

Who wouldn't hold Chuck-E-Cheese coins to high worth?

I ask you!

Easter Weekend

Since I'm finally getting caught up with Easter, here is a cap of our Easter weekend:

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If you're wondering where the older boys are...well, they were sleepin' and running around with Dad. The way you celebrate holidays changes as you grow up

Welcome Spring!

Before we went to Utah for Spring Break, we had the privilege of attending an Easter program Alyssa was in at her preschool. She did a wonderful job, especially considering the fact that the subject she hates most of all in school is music. 

(Which is funny since she is such a performer!)

It's so refreshing having her in a Christian based preschool since they have "Easter" and "Christmas" programs, and still call them by their appropriate names instead of "Spring Break" and "Winter Break". It's also wonderful to hear them sing songs that praise the very reason they exist...the Savior. 

We love the programs at the school because they are not long and drug out either, more suitable for the attention span of the children...

and their parents. ;)

Alyssa and Amy were so excited to wear their new Easter dresses before Easter too! They were given these beautiful flowers from their teachers and friends. 

Aren't they little princesses?!

Traditionally after a performance they have cookies and punch while socializing. The children look forward to this part of the occassion.

hello sweetie! *kisses*

We absolutely ADORE Alyssa's teacher, Ms. Claudia. She was Justin's preschool teacher too, and will hopefully be Amy's someday. She's absolutely WONDERFUL!! 

Welcome, Spring!