Tonight at the junior high band concert, Alec received an award as "Outstanding Musician for the entire 8th grade! He played a solo that was incredible. I had no idea that he played so well. I have heard him playing small solos within songs, but tonight he played the ENTIRE song. So neat. Way to go Alec.
I'm extremely proud of Branden today. We got the results of his ACT writing test and he scored in the top 2% nationally..... Way to go Branden.
I finally uploaded pictures from my camera so I can blog about something. It's my own "rule" that pictures are more interesting on a blog than my words. Thus, it took me two months to load them. I've been busy at work and then by the time evening rolls around, I generally don't think about my "own" blog, because I'm too busy looking at everyone elses'.
Let's see. Alec turned 14 and had a party with friends from school. We went to dinner for his birthday an he got a docking thing for his iPod. Branden was able to ordain him as a teacher. It was a neat experience for me and the boys.
Branden was finally awarded his Bronze palm for scouting. He actually earned it two years ago, but missing paperwork caused the two year delay. Good job Branden.
I had a birthday and turned another year older. The kids and I went to dinner, and other than that it was a pretty uneventful day.
Spring break came next. I had been debating whether or not to go to Utah, but I didn't feel like driving that far etc, so we were just planning a day trip up to Payson. While we were in Payson, our friends, the Wheelers called to see if we wanted to go to the cabin they stay at in Pinedale. After thinking about it and telling them we would call them back, we ran to Walmart, grabbed toothbrushes, something for Taylor and I to sleep in, a couple of sweatshirts, a kennel for the dogs (yes we had Shelby and Cheeto with us), and contact stuff for Branden and I. We called them back, met them at WalMart, and headed up to Pinedale. We watched Monte Python, rode the Rhino, ran out of gas in the Rhino, ate S'mores, and came home late the next evening. What a fun and spontaneous time we had. Thanks Tracy, Dale, and family for being so nice to us. The next day we spent a day with my nieces and their kids at the Wildlife Zoo in Litchfield Park. Taylor adores the little girls and gets so excited any time she gets to babysit them. For some reason she doesn't babysit much in our ward, so she relishes the time she gets with them. Thanks girls.
Branden turned 17. I feel OLD. He had a birthday party with friends too. I swear, that's all I do. Host one activity, plan another, host it, etc. I'm so glad that he has such great friends.
Easter came and went. It's pretty easy to do the Easter Bunny for teenagers. Chocolate and itunes cards. I did manage to have the kids let us take a picture after church. Luckily Taylor's friend came over to borrow some Cool Whip. We had a nice dinner with the four of us, and then I took a nap.
That's about it, but at least there are pictures, even though they are in a random order.
Okay, so my sister and I have been talking about canning since November. She came over on Thursday and we did our first batch of canned meat. It took quite awhile because we had to do every little step according to the directions. I did two other batches today. It was actually pretty easy the second time. It takes ahwile for the preparation, clean up, and waiting for it to process. I now have 36 pints done. I did chicken, pork, and beef.
Alec will be 14 next month. Branden will be able to ordain him a Teacher, because he is a Priest. This is the first time in my life since Branden was BLESSED, that I have a priesthood holder in my home who is willing AND able to do things like this. I didn't realize he could do it until we were talking about it tonight on the way to mutual. I cried the whole way home. It's such a comforting feeling to know that again I have the priesthood in my home and we don't have to ask someone else to perform those ordinances.
I know I'm copying you Natalie.... but I LOVED THIS MOVIE TOO!!! Not to mention the music. Taylor and I have been singing it for a couple of weeks now.
Okay, so I skipped Thanksgiving..... partially because I didn't take my camera to Lorena's so you can take a look here http://seeleys.blogspot.com/2008/12/lets-play-catch-up.html. We had tons of fun. Thanks.
I went to Utah November 15th for my neice Annie's wedding. It was so fun to see my extended family and spend time with them. I stayed at my neice Christy's house. They were such great hosts and I had so much fun visiting with them and seeing her darling baby Addi.
The boys and I went shopping on Black Friday and got the things we were looking for. I'm proud to say that I'm done shopping, the gifts are wrapped thanks to Alec, and my Christmas cards mailed. Now all I have left is stuff for friends and neighbors. We've had orchestra and band Christmas concerts. Alec played two solos in his concert, and unfortunately my battery in the camera died 15 seconds before he walked on stage. The boys got the decorations up inside and out.
Branden went to Christmas Formal tonight. One of the girls in our ward asked him. They should have a great time. They have been friends since he was 13. I must say he is very handsome, even if I am just the mom. That's it in a nutshell. Happy Holidays.
