Milestones

Chickadee went on a Youth Temple trip for the first time last weekend.

Big Red made it to Black Belt!

It's a Family Tradition

The yearly spring fun run!

Big Red ran a 5K in 34:34! Which is only about 4 min behind her mom!

Little Red ran her mile in 9:30! She had so much fun, and this year Dad was able to run with us.

Two of the girls were unable or disinclined to participate this year,

but the two that did really enjoyed themselves!

Must Read!

This is an incredible story of the ongoing commitment of one individual and the difference that can be made when you seek to love and understand before you judge or seek to change. It is a history book, a love story, geography lesson, and a political and philosophical discussion. It's about educating girls. Girls that become Mothers that educate generations.

Three Cups of Tea

This is the continuing story. So far it is as good as the first. Mr. Mortensen should receive the Nobel Peace prize. I hope our kids and grandkids read about this dedicated accidental philanthropist.

Stones into Schools

New Year!

We had some fabulous visitors for the New Year.  My brother and my grandmother came to visit!  While Chickadee was at her first youth activity, a New Years Eve party, Uncle dipped chocolate pretzles with the other girls.  He is quite the culinary artist, and we enjoyed his dinners and treats. 

New Years Day we went to White Sands! See my little Grandma!  

We are so glad she came to see us!  

On their visit we also went roller skating, antique shopping, and out to the rifle range.

What a great way to start the year.  We love you!

Happy Valentines Day!

Gradeschool Essentials

Chickadee was making a game for a class assignment.  Big Red and I were giving her suggestions.  I suggested that one of the cards could say, "Give a high five to the person sitting next to you."

Big Red looked at me wide eyed.  "Mom, she'll be playing this game in school."  

I gave her a questioning look, unable to find the horror in a high five.

"With her classmates!" she urged.

 -blank stare- 

"BOYS!" 

I finally got it.  

Laughing, I noted that Chicadee has been dancing with B-O-Y-S's for a month now in gym class. "And the cooties havn't killed her yet..." 

Chicadee looks up with a wry smile and says,  "Hand santizer."

      

Gearing Up For Christmas

After the victorious return of our Hero,
and after the canyon vacation,
we started getting ready for Christmas.

We did the usual things;

We had family visit, and took a family picture.

Chickadee had a Birthday!

We tormented the kids with long drives and shopping excursions. :)


We set up a a Christmas tree.



And took Gram to the shooting range.


Guess what she got for Christmas?

Winter!!!

So, Family was coming down from MO (where they have winter) to visit us here in NM (where they don't).  "What should we pack?" they ask.  Laughing, on a 58 degree November day, we say, "Oh, you'll be fine with a mid-weight jacket and a hat and gloves.  No need for a heavy coat."  As they begin their two day journey toward the balmy southland, we get this: 

Wow, a crazy amount of snow!  Don't worry, it will melt by noon.  WRONG!  It stayed on the ground an entire week, we even had a second storm and two snow days in one week!  The only snow days in the last 15 years.  Don't worry though, we're settled back into our denial of the existence of winter, with our mid-weight jackets.  High of 56 today.  :)