Jamison's Sunday school teacher had all the kids over to decorate gingerbread houses. We had a glitch in attitudes so Jamison was unable to go but the attitude issue was corrected and the kiddos were able to decorate the gingerbread house. For some reason all the sugar and excitement of Christmas causes my children to malfunction frequently.......fortunately with some vegetables and a mean ol mom the problem corrects itself:)

Jamison's progressive birthday

All three of you who read this blog know that we basically have progressive birthdays because why celebrate for one day when you can celebrate all week long? We finished the week off with one last birthday cake at Nana's house. My sister stopped in as well so the kiddos got to play and we got a rare family shot of all of us.

Jamison's 8th birthday party

Jamison and Amy were anxious to remind me of the fact that we haven't done birthday parties in a long time. I caved. We decided that having a marshmallow gun fight would be appropriate. Thanks to an amazing father-in-law we had 9 pvc marshmallow guns for the kids to decorate and take home. They were a hit. I bought way too many marshmallows as I underestimated the kids ability to reduce reuse and recycle. Now I have 9 extra bags of mini marshmallows....suggestions? The pinata was a hit and Jamison mopped up with more legos. I'm glad we did it...and I'm glad it's over:) Poor Greg was sick the entire week with the flu so I was a one man show but I pulled it off some how....hurray.

Pajama day

The last day of school before winter break was pajama day. Amy was so excited to participate as any eager kindergartener would be. I was on a off the campus all day handing out gifts, bringing treats, helping with class parties etc. We were so glad to get a break!

Jamison turns 8!

Jamison turned 8 on the 16th. I have an 8 year old!! We started off the morning with cinnamon rolls and presents. He scored a cool ukelele from his Auntie Ann and was totally stoked. This year Jamison has grown leaps and bounds in so many ways. He LOVES legos, basketball, handball, and playing with friends. Jamison also loves tinkering on the piano and takes a lot of pride in figuring out how to play certain songs by himself. He still loves singing but is a little more shy about it then he used to be. His face is starting to morph into a more mature looking boy. I love watching him grow and discover new things....sometimes this comes in conjunction with neverending questions but how else is he supposed to find out. I need an app for that..... love this kid.

Treats for Primary

What do you get for 47 teachers, cubscout leaders and activity day leaders for Christmas? .....and on a budget? Peppermint and orange chocolate dipped oreos of course:) I've been lucky enough to serve with two wonderful ladies in our primary presidency for church....and somehow we managed to keep one another sane despite having a primary with over 150 kids.....wahoo. It has been an absolute delight and I've loved every minute of this calling.

2011 Silver Buckle Nativity

This past Friday our resident street party planner Diane Kakihara put on yet another fabulous party and nativity.  The kids truly look forward to this each year.  She upped the anty this year by offering gift cards to anyone who could memorize John 3:16 in another language.  Jamison is motivated by anything that has to do with money so he took on the challenge and memorized the scripture in Portugese.  I was totally impressed because despite his motivation by money, he has some perfectionism in him and if he can't get it right the first time he gets frustrated and leaves the whole task.  He certainly was persistant and totally pulled it off.  We were so proud of him.....especially Greg.  Becca was in her own little world as an angel as there was no coaxing her to follow the part but that's what's fun about a play put on by kids right?  Amy is growing up so fast.....she once played baby Jesus and now she is this adorable angel holding the star.  LOVE that little girl.  It was so sweet to see the kids get into it this year.....along with the nativity and talent show the kids decide where they are going to give their money to that they've been saving all year.  They came up with a list of things including buying a goat for a family in another country and providing food for an orphanage.  They saved over $124!  Pretty cool.

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