Writings by Nate and Zach

Haiku written by Nate:

Thankful paper by Zach:

Rubric for Zach's speech on Hawaii that he practiced a ton and he's very proud of his grade.  He asked that I include it on my blog.

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Elves on the Shelf

Even though my boys are getting pretty old, I decided to squeeze just a bit more of childhood out of them by getting them some Elves on a Shelf. I didn't like the official Elf on a Shelf so when I saw some homemade ones for sale from a sister in a different ward, I couldn't resist getting the boys each one.

They are having so much fun with them. I figured it is a tradition that maybe they can do with their own children one day. They can each take their adorable elves with them (if I can part with them.)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Happy 10th Birthday Boys!

Last weekend we celebrated the boys' 10th birthday.  They were pretty disappointed when they found out their birthday was on a Sunday.  But we went to Chuck E. Cheese on Saturday and then celebrated the rest of their birthday on Sunday.  I thought maybe they were getting too old for Chuck E. Cheese but apparently not.  That's where they both wanted to go and they had a great time.

Here are some pictures of them on their birthday.  I think this may be my very favorite age so far.  They are so much fun (a lot more fun than their older, grumpier siblings.)  Mario and I are both really enjoying them at this stage.  How lucky they are to be twins and have a built in best friend.

Nate gave Zach a Florida Gator hat

Zach got Nate the new Diary of Wimpy Kid book

Nerf Guns, love the expressions of excitement

Nate made his own "cake" which was really chocolate pudding pie

Zach chose Mario's ice cream cake

The Past Week

Mario got his braces off. He also pinned on Lt. Colonel. Hooray for the pay raise! He says it's weird to be called Colonel. He puts a note on his phone at work with his rank so he remembers to answer the phone properly.

I have been sewing up a storm with my new machine. Mario and I decided our living room and family room were too dark with the dark wood and our dark couches so we are making changes to pillows and curtains. I've been sewing a lot. Plus I finished a quilt and gave it to Erin.

Speaking of Erin, she's doing awesome on her quilt. She appliquéd the Temple onto it. It looks great with the blanket stitch, another good reason for the new sewing machine. My last one didn't have that stitch.

I am so impressed with Nate and his braces. He has all his dental stuff organized and he's taking very good care of his teeth.
Nathan "won" the opportunity to take home his class lizard. I'm really excited, can you tell. His teacher told me I had I buy crickets at pet store because the ones out in the yard have been exposed to pesticides. Wow, I wonder how the lizards survive out in the wild.

Zach did a bunch of chores on my new commission chart one week. He earned like $25 (the only other kid to pick chores and earn money was Nate and he earned a whole 50 cents). With his money, he bought a set of drums (we are all excited about that purchase) and a brand new basketball game that I found brand new at yard sale for $30. He talked the guy down to $20 because that's all he had left after buying the drums from Erin's friend, Savannah. We all do really love the basketball game though.

Lastly, Mario sold his Acura. While praying one night, he felt prompted to sell it. I felt bad for him because he's never had a nice car. But we have learned to follow promptings no matter how hard they may be. So he is back to driving the pickup truck that he bought from Charlie last summer. Actually he drove the truck all summer and then again when we got Eric the car. The SUV was pretty much just used for date night. So it was waste anyway. Now we've are able to really put a lot of money into kids' mission accounts.
Not much news to report on Eric except his grades are higher than ever despite him having 2 AP classes and 3 honors plus debate. He barely does any homework and I'm not sure he studies for anything but Spanish class. Sure wish I had his brains.
I feel very blessed. I'm very excited for General Conference this weekend. I can't believe I used to dread all the sessions. Now I can't get enough.
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Homecoming

Eric went to Homecoming with his girlfriend, Halie, last weekend.  Halie is a sweet girl that we all like very much.   They went to dinner with several other couples and then hung out at a friend's house afterwards.   Here are some pictures of them before the dance.  Bet you can spot the one Mormon girl in the pictures below.

Another Brace Face

Here's phase 1 of Nate's braces and expander. He did great getting them on today. He was courageous which is a big deal because up until a year ago, Nate hated dentists.

Speaking of Nate, I have had a lot of Nate time lately. He's been home with a fever the last 3 days. I think he can finally go back to school. But I've loved my one-on-one time with him. He's a very sweet kid. I love him.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

He's a Priest Now

Mario finally had a Sunday off and was able to ordain Eric to a Priest today after church. Eric also played the piano for the intermediate hymn in Sacrament Meeting. He played, "Precious Savior, Dear Redeemer." Erin gets to play next month. It makes all those thousands of dollars we spent on lessons for the last 9 years worth every cent.

Here's a picture of Eric with Mario and Brother Snow (his super cool YM president). Eric looks sharp in his brand new suit.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone