New Beginnings 2014

Last week, I got to help out with a program at our church called New Beginnings for our Young Women.  It is usually an activity to introduce and welcome the new girls, who will be turning 12 sometime in the coming year and joining our group.  A little bit about the organization is explained, we discuss Personal Progress and the values we strive to live by.

Our church-wide them for 2014 for the youth is "Come Unto Christ."  I love that invitation!

For our New Beginnings program, we decied to have to relate the yearly theme to "A Heart Like His," meaning learning to have a heart like the Savior's.

Here's a little of the set up.  I thought it turned out so well, especially with all the pictures of our lovely young ladies, mixed with those of Christ.  

In preparation for the night, the girls helped us by coming up with what it meant to have a heart of each value and how that could help us come unto Christ.  They also made conversation hearts that summed up some personal goals for the year, at least one thing they could work on to make their hearts more like His.

Here are some of the girls, practicing for the musical number.  

Of course, we had refreshments!

For the program, a few girls gave wonderful talks, everyone was able to present something about the values, and some young women introduced each of the new girls and presented them with a basket of valentine's that each girl had made.  

I am so happy to work with some wonderful women in this organization and was grateful for an uplifting evening.  

Valentine's Day

 I actually like Valentine's Day.  Even though we try to show how much we love each other every day of the year, it's nice to have a specific holiday set aside to celebrate and elevate the excitement.

The boys got balloons, cards, candies, money, and a box of treats. 

 Later in the day, Ryan and Evan helped me make some valentine cards. 

Kyle joined in when he got home from school.

Stephen and I have never been too crazy about having to go out on Valentine's Day.  In fact, we prefer to celebrate on a day away from the crowds.  This year, we planned a date a week early, since I would be having surgery on the 13th.  We went out to the outlet malls and shopped for gifts---Stephen needed new sunglasses since his old ones were discontinued and the company no longer made replacement lenses. 

 I really wasn't sure on what I wanted, but after I spotted a PINK purse through a window, I knew it was a good choice.  {I looked and looked last year for a true pink purse for breast cancer, but ended up with a hot pink one.  2014 is the year things are looking up.}

Amazingly, things went smoothly for my surgery on Thursday.  I was in early and out quickly, and came home to rest.  I felt well enough that Stephen and I went out again for a quick dinner---in a SWEET RIDE, while my aunt stayed with the boys.  You can tell from this picture that I'm on drugs and we are both very tired after a long day.  {Also, Stephen has glasses because his eyes have gotten "so bad."  He now has 20/20 or 20/25 vision, instead of better than perfect.  He decided to just get a cheap pair of glasses to drive in. 

Happy Valentine's Day!  We had a great one. 

Kings, Castles, and Knights

 Ryan's preschool has been learning all about kings and things.  Ryan loves his new crown and wants to wear it all the time.  I keep finding sequins all over the house--he leaves a little sparkle wherever he goes!  Ryan also loves to play knights, now that he has his very own shield.  I'm so happy he's happy at school and loves to share the fun with us at home! 

Evan just HAD to get in on the picture taking, too.  I guess it was fitting, since this was taken on Feb. 11th, when he's 2 years and 3 months old and growing up too quickly!  

After this, they were off to battle some dragons or protect the castle from zombies. 

A REAL Snow Day

 A week ago, the boys were up at the crack of dawn.  They'd heard the "snow" falling outside and couldn't wait to go outside to play.  The "snow" could be heard because it wasn't snow--just lots of tiny hail.  It snowed dip 'n dots! 

Nevertheless, the boys were on cloud 9, as this is the closest to snow we get in Houston.  They played and played before school. 

"Look at ALL of that snow, Mom!  I'm going to slide down into that pile."

Po thought it would be a good idea to take off his gloves and investigate.

 How'd that work out for ya, Po?

 Evan half undressed himself while I was taking pictures of his brothers.  Crazy kid! 

It's fun to drive a car in the snow!   Who needs gloves???

 He couldn't quite make snowballs, but that didn't stop Kyle from throwing the "snow." 

The closest thing to snow angels we could muster: 

And then, we were off to school! 

100th Day

 Kyle's 100th Day of school actually occurred on the 98th day, thanks to the 2 snow days.  Each student was asked to decorate a t-shirt for the celebration, and Kyle was adamant that his shirt be done on time and to his specifications.  We looked around the store for supplies, and he ended up choosing googly eyes and tie-dyed pom-poms.  He insisted on using 50 of each; he didn't want 100 of the same thing.  So boring!

The OCD in me wanted to make a design, a monster, letters--something, but Kyle wanted the shirt to have stuff everywhere.  He helped me glue everything on and has the burns to prove it!  Here's the finished product:    

He had the best day at school--SO much fun!

 I couldn't wait to see all of his treasures in his goodie bag. 

I'm glad Kyle had a fun day, and that there are still reasons to party at school.