Sunday, January 31 Oma and Papa talked in their ward.
The subject: The Blessing of the Temple
One of Papa's favorite loves! They did an amazing job. I learned something new about Oma, she was sealed to her parents along with her sisters when she was a teenager (wow I bet it was neat for those who attended to see all 6 of the girls in white dresses).
Papa shared so many neat stories: I loved his reminder that Jesus walks the halls of the temples. Why would we not want to go visit there and do the Lord's work? I want my kids to know that I have a testimony of the temple and the eternal covenants we make there. Love you Papa and Oma, thanks for being such great examples!

Volleyball in Prescott

Saturday, January 30 Lindsey's volleyball team had their FIRST tournament. It was in Prescott, first game starting at 3pm. Since Erik had to work the night before he stayed home with our other kiddos. Carly also had a basketball game we didn't want her to miss. Lucky for Cole Shelene Webb (Liesl's daughter) came over to do respite for the day. Cole got to hang at home and have fun with Shelene. Girls waiting for their second game. The tournament was held in a BIG warehouse, can you say COLD.
Billi, one of the mom's, braided all the girls hair super cute!
Lindsey had so much fun - the girls had lots of time to bond! Oma and Papa came with us... we sure enjoyed their company!
Me and Oma were freezing. Thank goodness we brought blankets to wrap around us! We packed snacks and food, so we just sat around, cheered and enjoyed the atmosphere.
Cute hair Lindsey!

Really MOM...more pictures.

Did I say we CHEERED? Thank goodness we also packed chairs (no bleachers).

Our last game started at 8:30pm (the girls played 4 teams) and we won! We came in FIRST place - winning all our games!!! What a way to start out the season. Go MOLTEN DIAMONDS!

Fun day - thanks Oma and Papa for coming along!

Pulled into our drive-way at midnight!

And tHen it raiNed

Last week it rained so much that our yard flooded bad!
Thinking maybe we should build an ARK!

Amazingly...it dried up in no time!

Carly's eight

January 8 Carly turned 8...

stay tuned...

Chocolate

I was helping Carly do some homework when Cole came in and asked for some chocolate. I said OKAY and gave him a small square out of a GIANT size Hersey bar. Told him no more. Well I went back into the piano room to help Carly finish up her homework. What seemed like minutes later he comes in with this face, "Hi Mom". I said what have you been eating? "Nothing" he replies. I take him into the bathroom mirror and said, "well what's that on your face." We both start laughing and I cleaned the little chocolate ghost! Marley (our dog) found the left-overs hidden in the playroom.

Chocolate was everywhere!! His fingers were covered in it! SO much for the shower I had given him.

K-i-d-s

the truth, had it had almonds in it I would have already devoured it...

Basketball STARS...

Our Saturday morning started early...Crew's (Lance's oldest son) game started at 8:45 in Chandler. He plays for the Jr. Suns team. He did such a great job. Wow, what an improvement from last season. His dribbling was fantastic and his defense great! Good job buddy! Carly's playing on an all girls basketball team. It is her first time to play on a team. She has had 2 games and is picking up on how to play very quickly. She made 6 baskets Saturday. Way to GO Carly girl!

Conner also had a great game. He is playing on a 5th grade competitive team. He enjoys being on the same team as Dallin Edwards and Donovan Hanna two of his favorite buddies!

Me, Oma, Heather and Lance I don't know if we laughed more or cheered more????

Great game Carly....can't wait to see how you do next game!

We look over and boys are sitting on their basketballs watching the game...too cute!

A n-e-w year and I am already behind...that's o-k-a-y!

I have sooooo many things to share...I keep telling myself one day at a time. The holidays came and consumed my life. Erik has now been with UPS 21 years and has never worked so many hours at Christmas time. He worked almost everyday in December! That took a toll on our family, especially me. We missed having him around!

January is finally here and we are trying to get back into life. Routines, schedules and family time it is time to get on track. Lindsey playing club volleyball has been a change for us. She has practice twice a week in town (Gilbert/Elliot) from 7-9pm. We thought Erik could drop her off on his way to work, but that didn't work because she would be there for about 15 minutes by herself. So that has made life a little different. Conner and Carly are playing WHAM basketball and they have practice one on Monday and the other Thursday night. Oh man, what have we done. It is all good I keep telling myself.

I am back and will try to share life's happenings!