Christmas Classroom Party

Ellerie and Porter enjoyed their classroom parties.

We didn't get any photos of Ellerie.

Gearing up for the festivities!

"Had to See IT to Believe IT!"

So, many of you probably don't know Chad's stipulations he has had for the boys on getting cell phones. We were happy we have held out this long with 2 teenagers without cell phones.

When Kaden turned 14 he asked and asked and begged and had a melt down over not getting a cell phone. Well, turns out his dad gave him a "small" challenge to work towards earning one.

Here was the challenge:

-a physical fitness test consisting of 200 sit ups, 100 push ups, 200 squats & 20 pull ups (all under 30 minutes)

- Kaden was to also pass off all his seminary scripture mastery scriptures

So Chad issued the challenge back in Aug. 09'. Kaden flat out laughed and said "there's NO WAY I can do that dad!"

Garrett turnis 13 Dec. 09' asks Chad, "can I do that test when I'm 14 and get a phone"...Chad smiles and says "SURE!"

Meanwhile, a year goes by, Kaden doesn't ask, or ask again or even beg for a cell phone. In fact, he doesn't even mention it. hmmmm.... Aug. 2010 comes along, Kaden turns 15. No mention of a cell phone.

December 3rd comes along, Garrett turns 14. Garrett asks dad again if he can still compete for the cell phone. Dad says "sure"...Garrett 4 days later does this-

200 sit ups, 100 push ups, 200 squats & 20 pull ups all under 21 minutes.

Kaden not to be shown up decides he doesn't have a choice, he HAS TO TRY...

27 minutes later he has done 200 sit ups, 100 push ups, 200 squats & 20 pull ups!

Had I not seen it for myself

I might not have believed it but

it was AMAZING!

So long cellphone-less teenagers!

I've enjoyed these last few years without your presence.

It's that time again!

Wrestling is in full swing!

Porter and Garrett are wrestling again this year.

They started up just about November and have already

had several meets. Porter took 2nd in his first tournament.

He is loving it once again and doing a great job.

His new "signature" move this year is "The Snake"...

(a front headlock breakdown onto the ground to roll your opponent onto his back!)

"the headlock"...ouch!

Gettin' my craft thang on---

Anyone who know me well knows I love to craft. I was invited to an ornament exchange this year and have been really excited about it. Here's my "Christmas Stars"...had lots of fun making them!

Garrett's 14th B-day!

We had a great time celebrating Garrett's 14th b-day!

Pretty low-key and just at home. He had his b-day want/need list up early so we could all enjoy looking at the several copies he posted around the house. He loves his new UofU special order hat most of all.

We love you big G! I can't believe my baby boys are full-fledged teenagers!

Thanks for being such a wonderful young man. We truly love having you in our family.

p.s. Garrett has started off his wrestling season with a bang! He took 1st place at his first tournament last week! Way to go- G FORCE!!!

A Baby Changes Everything - Faith Hill

See...proof that Kaden sings in the ward choir! Hooray!
Primary choir

Ellerie!

Here's a new fun tradition in our Allen Stake,

they have a nativity display (it's huge, over 300 nativities)

and then for the 2 days (first Fri. & Sat. in Dec.)

they invite different groups to come perform.

This year our primary was invited to come sing.

It was a great experience and the kids did wonderful!