I don't talk very much.

This weekend Joshua was hanging out with his dad and brothers. Andy was trying to ask him something and he just kept pursing his lips and shaking his head no. A minute later he got a piece of paper and marker and wrote this down-
He gave Andy a big smile. It made us all smile. Shortly afterwards, he started talking to us again. We love hearing whatever Joshua has to say, in any form. I was so proud that he even remembered the period.

Jacob's 3rd Grade Self-Portrait

Lost Dutchman Park

Joshua with a constant smile on his face.

Taylor at the top.

The kidos minus Summer. No photos of people over 12.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day we had no school and decided to take a little hike. It was a bit cold for the Phoenix area, in the 50s, and it had just rained. So we were being pretty daring. I had a great time! There was a bit of whining at times. Andy said next time he is bringing his earbuds and music. I just love watching the kids in nature. Joshua talked to practically every cactus. Summer and Taylor were the front runners. Jacob went back and forth. Kate didn't stop once, except when she had a little fall and cried. She took 3 steps for everyone of ours. We ended the hike with a sandwhich feast, including lots of chips, soda, and oreos. That made everyone happy and I learned never to leave the oreos in front of Joshua. I think he ate a whole row by himself before I noticed a third of the oreos were gone. Oh well! We burned a lot of calories and needed the extra fuel. It was a great outing and everyone was happy at the end.

How do you know when all of your children are school aged?

When you cry because winter break is over.

We had such a great time! Now I had lots of times when the kids drove me and one another crazy, ran all over the house, yelled and screamed (me included), didn't listen, and made a disaster of the house. But for the most part it was so fun just being together and not having a schedule. Laughing together. Watching the Harry Potter series throughout the new year and then watching Taylor and Jacob create wands and made up spells. Letting Kate sleep in until 9:30 and having her wake up with smiles and say, "Look mom I got up by myself." Clapping for Joshua during bowling because he loved the attention and having him interact with us more than he has in his life for 2 1/2 weeks. Having him wanting to be at home more than at school as he tried not to cry getting on the bus this morning and holding tight to my hand. Seeing Summer read tens of books. I never tire of that. "Window" shopping with Summer at our new favorite store. Playing at the park. Playing board games. Being with extended family. Eating the biggest bowl of candy ever. Spending hours at Barnes and Nobles. Ignoring as many errands as possible. Never hearing the phrase "I'm bored." Did I mention no schedule?

Now it is quiet and we have to get back into the routine of things, which are very important, and good for my sanity. Time goes by so fast. It seems like just yesterday I was hiding in the bathroom trying to get a few moments of quiet away from my five children. I just love Summer, Taylor, Jacob, Joshua, and Kate so much! School, music, scouts, dance, and sports are all wonderful! Schedules are great! For a few more months these important things will keep us learning, growing, and staying focused. And then we will be even more excited for SPRING BREAK!

Christmas Break- Rain, Sun, and Snow

RAIN

60 degree weather and kids playing in the rain.

SUN

Christmas Day Joshua playing on the slide in bare feet

Tennis with Rachael and Steve

against Brian and Andy

Summer, Hailey, Peyton, and Kate playing wild horses

SNOW

Summer sledding 3 hours north of home in Flagstaff, AZ

Taylor

Kate

Joshua

Jacob

Peyton, Ryan, and Hailey

6 hours of driving roundtrip- over $100 for food, gas, and sleds- car full of snow gear and crumbs- dvds and books- pine trees-30 degrees to 65 degrees in one day- a few crashes- exercise- snowman-snowballs- lots of SMILES- hot chocolate -cold fingers and toes- Denny's- home. Super fun day planned by Dad.

Where else could you enjoy all this fun weather during Christmas Break?

Christmas 2009

Best Christmas present of all, Julia Rebecca Smith born on December 20th to Becky and Brian.

Christmas Eve at Nicole and Tony's house food, family, music, Christmas story, The Spirit.
Scott- "Kate you were the Star."
Kate-" I was the Star, but now I'm retired."

Being with all of my family, including Mita who is going on 96.

Christmas Morning!!!!! Taylor's new and exciting video game. Look at those eyes.

Summer's new reindeer pjs and game.

Kate's old jewelry box from Savers, made new with paint by mom.

Joshua and Andy performing UP dialogue.

Jacob's requested Christmas breakfast-Lucky Charms.

Christin happy to see her kids happy. Kate in her new dress from Grandma Maxfield.

Christmas tree picture. Small tree with lots of spirit. Fake fireplace in background (Kate was worried about Santa's delivery.

Spending time with Cardon family in the afternoon after a relaxing Christmas morning.

We had another great and blessed Christmas!

December Performances

The 3rd week of December was a week of performances. Summer and her friends performed in the Conerstone Ward talent show dancing to Bleeding Love. They did amazing. I couldn't smile any bigger. Dancing makes me happy. I wish the lighting was better. Summer is on the left with long sleeve black shirt.

Cat eyes

Chandler, Charlee, Summer, Annie T

This is what Taylor and Jacob were doing during the performances. Those 2 can chose such unlikely times to get along sometimes. I do love it when they are having fun together!

Kate started dance this year and loves it. In her winter performance they danced to Santa Clause is coming to town. Kate was front and center and was a star. Again I was all smiles. I asked her if she was nervous to dance on stage since they didn't do any rehearsals. She replied, "Of course not!" She is quite comfortable on stage.

I did not tell her to pose like that. Like I said she is a natural.

G & G Maxfield were in town for the event. We had an enjoyable dinner and visit with them. We love when they call to say they are popping in.

Watching my children develop their talents and the time we enjoyed as a family definitely helped me feel the Christmas spirit this year. I was