Never too big . . .

to play dress-up.

On McKenna's third birthday, she got her first dress up - a pink princess ballgown - sewn and given by Grandma (and Grandpa) Kappel. She's been wearing pretty things ever since.

I'll be putting her in charge of Ivy's and Maia's makeup for Halloween.

(They decided last year, that they want to be peacocks this year - so I don't see a way out of it.)



First Day of School

Mothers everywhere anticipate this day.

I dread it.

It is a sure symbol, garbed in bright new clothes and combed hair, that my babies are growing up and away from me.

It's an official declaration that they'll be ONE YEAR OLDER very soon, further away from preschool age, toddlerhood, and infant stage.
Further away from when they and I together were everything.
Further away from lisps and mispronunciations.
Further away from silly sayings and perpetual grins.
Further away from hand-holding and snuggling.
Further away from downy hair and naps on my lap.

But never further from my heart.

McKenna Ann - SENIOR!

Tessa May - 9th Grade

The Three Littles

Maia Rhynn - 6th Grade

Cooper Robert - 4th Grade

Ivy Franzis Sarah - 1st Grade

The Gang

Can you spot the one so cool for school?

Sweet Sixth Grader

Excited - but a tad nervous.

Growing up too fast.  Mom cried all morning.

What Do We Give?

These young men risked their lives

 - and their father gave his -

to help set their people free.

What are we willing to do for our people?



Snuggles

Somebody loves visiting Grandma and Grandpa . . . and the doggies.



Thanksgiving Point

Our friends, Matt & Kate, have their birthdays in April.

So we decided, instead of wrapping up trinkets and sweets, we'd take them to Thanksgiving Point.

From us, to them.

But April is cold in Utah.

And May is cold in Utah.

And even June brings days colder than Spring, and vacations . . . and life.

And so on.

In August, FINALLY, we were able to make good on our birthday promise.

 

Notes on a Recital

They practice diligently.

They put on their Sunday clothes.

And they do their best.

It is delightful to watch them perform their talents.

Mental Preparation

"When the Saints Go Marching," and others

Concerto with her teacher

Viva la Vida and Taylor Swift - amazing piece

Feeling good, and rightly so, about their accomplishments

So, should I mention that McKenna is missing? No? Okay.

But I should mention I failed to charge my camera battery, and so shot no video, and just these few pictures. sigh.

The Pot

See the truth between the lines?
 Ivy has been "doing the kitchen" lately. She even switched dish duty w/ put-the-silverware-away duty w/ her 14 year old sister. (I'll switch it back after school) But as she's been a'scrubbin' I said "just leave the big icky pot alone. It has to be washed by hand." She said, "I know how to do the pot. Don't worry. I've watched daddy a lot." What a lucky wife and mom I am!

She said "I love doing the kitchen. I want to do it every day that the world is going on."

Smooth Talker

"Mom, when I'm at college and you send me peanut butter, make sure it's the not nutty kind, but the smooth kind."



A Boy and a Violin

For more than a year Cooper asked me if he could learn to play the violin.

I wasn't against it.  I just wasn't ready to commit to more money, to more lesson time,

and to more practice time.

He already plays the piano.

But when he started third grade he was eligible to join the beginning orchestra.

Once a week, early in the morning, for a nominal fee.

We signed up, wrote the check, and borrowed a violin.

He was SO excited.

After a few weeks of early mornings, and being the ONLY boy, the excitement wore off.

But we talked about committment, and following through, and he stuck with it.

Here he is at his first concert.

I am so proud of him.



Waiting quietly for his turn. :)



The Dancing Duo

Tessa and Maia both decided they wanted to try dancing.

So we signed them up - Tessa in Jazz, and Maia in tap/ballet.

Here's a peek at their first recital - after just three months of lessons!

I wasn't able to upload the video clips, but, believe me, they're cute!



The Spirit of Christmas

Years ago a family in Alpine began sponsoring

a Live Nativity

in memory of their wife and mother who passed away from cancer.

Hundreds stand in frigid cold each year, awaiting the shuttle to drive them up the hillside

to the family's farm.

Hundreds watch the Roman Soldier on  pacing on horseback, interrogating, searching for the newborn child.

Hundreds walk through old-town Bethlehem and see the wares sold there.

Hundreds see the animals of olden days warming in their stalls.

Hundreds feel the hush in the crude stable where mother holds her baby.

Hundreds walk through icy pastures to feel the Spirit

of the First Christmas Morn.

What shall I do in memory of the Great One?