Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Cars, Cars, and more Cars

NASCAR

OSCA

FERRARI

GTO

I went to my friends' shop the other day where they restore all these sporty, expensive cars. I don't know what I expected before I got there, but I definitely didn't expect their shop to be so big and full of fantastic cars. It was so cool that they let me sit in the cars. I was nervous about breaking something or getting them dirty as I was getting in and out of the cars. When I was in the sporty little red convertible I said that all I needed was a big fan going so my hair would be blowing around and it would look like I was driving. tee hee. I decided to pass on getting in the NASCAR (maybe another day I will feel in the mood to climb in through the window!). I was surprised how some of the cars really aren't that fancy inside. For what they are worth you would think that there should be gold inside. It was a fun morning to see how the other half live. There are a bunch of pretty cars out there. My dream car is one day to have a Mustang convertible. As of right now, that really isn't much of a car seat friendly car. One day.

Daddy Daughter Fiesta!!




On Friday, February 2oth, our ward had a Daddy Daughter Fiesta! It was for all girls aged 3-11. Because I am an activity day leader I was able to help plan and put the fiesta together. It was so much fun. The activity day girls were the ones that basically planned the whole dance. They came up with the theme, some of the games, and what we should have for dinner. They also helped make the pinatas and the tissue paper flowers that we used to decorate the tables. They were so excited about this fiesta, that I got asked several times when the dance was going to be when I would walk the girls to school in the morning. There was pin the tail on the donkey, Mexican horseshoes, a salsa walk, pinatas, pictures, nacho bar, and dancing for all those that wanted to. I think that it was a success. I heard how much the dad's loved the food and I know that the girls all loved the pinatas. I still remember going on a daddy daughter date with my dad. These are memories that the girls won't forget and I am glad that I could have a small part in it.

Newest Addition to the Family


We love our newest addition to the family. Tristan Zimmerman is our new next door neighbor. She is 11 years old, so she is close to the same age as Jessica and Jocelyn. They hang out every day and play and talk. They are all so cute together. I think that she is delightful to have around because she includes everyone in their play. She never treats Jocelyn as the "younger sister" and she will involve the boys quite often as well. She also helps motivate the girls to get their chores done. It has been so fun watching the girls interacting with a friend that lives so close. Sometimes you hear yelling over the fence if they can play, and there is always a soccer ball or 2 over in the backyard that they have kicked over. Tristan's mom and I had to come up with some ground rules like all homework had to be totally finished before they get to play with each other. Talk about motivation to finish your homework quickly!

Family Visit


My brother, Garth, came down for a short (I mean REALLY) short visit. He came to drop off beef to myself and others who purchased it. He stayed around for a couple hours before he was back on the road again. The girls adore their uncle Garth, and the boys didn't know what to think of him quite yet. They did give him "5" though, so there is hope with them yet! Thanks Garth for coming down. It was fun to see you again.

Invention Convention




Last year at Red Mountain Ranch Elementary they started the Invention Convention. Now every year the 4th graders get to participate in the convention. The kids all start the project out by filling out the "Bug Book." This is all the things that bug them and that they wish could change. The kids then all spend a couple weeks working on their projects. They were supposed to either make the actual project or a mock up of it, have an advertisement, list all the supplies needed and steps used to make the project. One of the things that "bugged" Jess was that her dresser was messy...well we all know how we can fix that one. After a little parental guidance she decided to build a storage cabinet to put all the Guitar Hero/Rock Band paraphernalia in. It is everywhere in our house. There is a guitar, microphone, drum set, and not to mention all the games that we have around. Jared and her got the baking clay from Michaels and made all the different things that goes along with Guitar Hero. They then made a storage unit for it to go in. Jess was excited to get to help do the staining and sanding down. At school she had to present the invention. I was very proud of her at how much she did on her own on this project. She is getting so skilled at the computer, not only at typing but making things look nice and finding information on the Internet. There were a few late nights and a couple Saturdays working on the project but it all paid off when she found out that she scored 95/100 on the entire project. She was so excited about her score. Congratulations Jessica!

2nd Grade Valentine Tea



On Valentine's Day I got to go to Jocelyn's class and have a Tea Party with her. Everyone was supposed to bring their own "tea cups" from home. We got to choose between a couple different herbal teas and apple juice, and several different kids of cookies. Jocelyn was so excited about me coming to her classroom...she even tidied up the inside of her desk. What great room moms we have that plan such great events in the classroom! Thanks ladies!

CHEESE!












Hopefully this goofy stage doesn't last long. When the boys smile for the camera they immediately close their eyes and squint. Say cheese!

Jocelyn's Birthday

Jocelyn was so excited that it was her birthday. I hope that we made her feel as special as what my parents always did when it was my birthday. You would have thought that I was the best mom in the whole world when I took donuts into her classroom.
When the girls turn 8 they get to decide if they want to get their ears pierced. So Wednesday when Jocelyn got home from school I took her down to the mall to get her ears pierced. I felt like I was signing my life away when she was getting her ears pierced. You have to show you ID and sign about 6 spots and initial other spots. WOW! Jocelyn was very brave and didn't cry at all, but when the lady was getting ready to do the 2nd ear, Jocelyn said, "Stop, I just need 4 seconds." We started laughing so hard, because when was the last time you heard someone say, I just need 4 seconds. Afterwards she was asked if she felt any older and she informed us that she "felt like she was 9 or 10." She looks beautiful and loves taking care of her earrings (sometimes a little too much!)
Jocelyn's before shot.

Here is Jocelyn getting the dots drawn on her ears. I hope that they are even!

She had her "4 seconds" so she was ready to go ahead with the 2nd ear!

After shot! Beautiful!!!!

Jocelyn got to invite a friend to go out to dinner with us that night. Sydney Cornell came with us to Organ Stop Pizza. We didn't get the best seats to be able to see the organ, but the girls all still had a really good time. Afterwards we came home and had some cake and ice cream with our neighbors. I think all in all it was a fun successful day!
Jocelyn & Sydeny Cornell

Jocelyn with her newest addition to her Webkinz family.

Sydeny & Jocelyn at Organ Stop Pizza.

Do you see a theme this year for Jocelyn?

Happy Birthday Jocelyn! We hope that you made a good wish!