Snow Day, HOORAY!

Sam has been earnestly been watching the weather on I-Touch for days. Thank goodness, it finally snowed! School was cancelled today and the kids made good use of their snow gear.    

Don't you love this chubby little snow angel?  

Many people ask, "what do you do about your (very steep) driveway when it snows?  To which I reply, "it makes an AWESOME sledding hill!"

I love looking out the window and seeing this--my 4 kiddies playing together in perfect harmony.  HOORAY FOR SNOW DAYS!  

The Best Christmas Pageant

 Sam had the privilege of playing the part of Joseph in Silverdale Third ward's nativity pageant.  The darling Allie Baldridge was Mary.  Each year our primary children put on a great performance of the nativity story.  

Grace and the rest of the rowdy sheep herd.    

Listening to the angel choir sing while waiting for show time with best buddy, Grant Largey.

The primary children and young women all had parts in the program, but the young men did not perform.  However, I looked over while the young women were singing and saw them waving candles in the air in time with the music.  Silly boys.

Audrey participated in a bell choir and also played jazzy Christmas songs on violin with the the "ward band."  Later she played the part of the innkeeper in the nativity play which explains the headband she is wearing.

Sugar Plum Fairy

Once again the Hatch Piano Studio managed to put on a great show for their Christmas piano recital on December 16, 2011.  This time Sam and his piano teacher, Camdon, wore tutus and danced and twirled around the stage for the finale. Sam is such a ham; he'll do anything for a laugh! 

 Oh, and he played some nice Christmas songs on the piano too.  

Sam and I played a lovely duet together for the recital.  Well, it really wasn't that lovely or together at all, but still fun!  It's definitely a learning experience to say the least.  

Poor Lola

Poor Lola was recently surrendered to the Humane Society.  Mike decided that one of the pets had to go and Lola got the short end of the stick.  The cat and dog were constantly battling.  Besides, she has been holding a grudge ever since we brought Gunner home nearly 2 years ago.  She was no longer an enjoyable pet, just a  nuisance.    I just hope she ended up underneath somebody's Christmas tree.  Grace and I were a little sad the day she left.  Jared is also going to miss her.  Mike, on the other hand, is thrilled to have a cat-free home.  He must have felt at least a little guilty.  Just ask him about his nightmare involving Lola!   

I have to share at least one story involving Lola.  It seems timely since I am posting about her.  One day this fall  Jared was riding the bus home from school. As is often the case, he texted me to ask for a ride up the hill.  He informed me that the bus was nearing his stop very soon.  It must have been raining or something because I recall that I quickly jumped in the car, backed out of the driveway, and went screaming down the hill.  I arrived at the bus stop just as a dozen or so junior high kids were piling out of the big yellow bus.   Jared was squished in the middle of the pack and all around him kids were smiling and laughing when I pulled up to the curb. I assumed Jared had said something witty or that they were trying to bum a ride since they were all looking my way.  

Neither was the case.  I soon learned that Lola had been on top of my car the entire time!  She managed to cling to the luggage rack and hang on for dear life as the car skated down the steep hill.  By the time Jared tried to rescue the poor car, her claws were cemented to the roof.  Jared quickly swiped Lola from the top of the car, hopped inside, and then sheepishly said, "that was special, Mom."  Poor Jared.  Poor Lola.

So good-bye, Lola.  You were a good mouser and furry friend.