January Endings

Wow, how has January already ended?!  But that is how time is...the days are slow and the months breeze by. Lee happened across a couple of old photos.  So fun to see. 

More snow!!!  Last "winter" it snowed once.  Very disappointing.  But it snowed in December and then again in January! Church and school were canceled.  The kids had time off for a school break and then the break was extended because of snow days. It was a long break!  

The snow is so pretty! I love it when it's quiet outside with the snow blanketing the earth.

We had sacrament at home that day.  I love the plates Deb let us make during sister's weekend at her house. 

Elden REALLY wanted to go on a walk so we walked down by the library and up to the cemetary.  It was very peaceful outside. 

Later that night Cal made caramel which we enjoyed with some ice cream. 

One Saturday we cleaned the church and after we stopped at a few places--one of them Sharp Shopper.  I told the kids they could each spend $0.50.  Cal got all of this for $0.47.   

We stopped at Walmart as well for a really big order.  It was nice stocking up on groceries for February (the end of January). The Walmart shop delivery guys were talking about mac-n-cheese which my kids thought was funny.

Some picture fun.... Clark leaning in....

Some random photos. 

More leaning. 

Cal tried to lean a bit too.

Our friends have been coming over on Wednesdays or whenever works. Gracie painted one visit.

Graham hanging with Clark.

Cal and Elden still have lights up in their room which is actual very fun.  One night they were chatting in Elden's bed before Cal going up to the top bunk.  I love how they enjoy hanging out together and are best friends. 

Clark is the first assistant right now for the Priests at church. They did a special Priesthood meeting with some treats.  Clark, Cal and Elden all went together to buy the treats and then deliver them to all the young men.  He also included the young men rings in the bags and some recieved temple recommend holders and some a vial for consecrated oil for blessings. He did a great job with it and was self-motivated with the whole thing.  I didn't even say anything about them needing to leave or to do the task.  I talked to Clark about buying some gift tissue paper to put in the top of the bags, like a gift.  He looked at me and basically said, "No way Mom."  It was pretty funny. 

Shanna participated in cheer this year.  It was pretty short--about a month long with practices and performances.  They were to perform only twice at a boys basketball game and at a girls basketball game.  School was cancelled one of those days so they missed one performance. The final performance was for families--only 4 people could attend though.  

One of my favorite Sunday meals...simple and yummy.  Salami, veggies, fruit, hummus, cheese and crackers. 

Shanna enjoying some food decorating. 

A couple of the kids have a social goal for the youth program to write to someone once a week.  Cal wrote a letter to Grandpa.  They have dubbed him Da Boss.  I think I mentioned that earlier.  But I loved what Cal wrote.  So cute.  And printed Monopoly money and an airhead treat went in the letter as well. 

No matter the temperature outside Cal and Elden can still be found on the trampoline. 

Cal likes to do uncomfortable challeges.  Not sure why but he does.  One night he wanted tickles while doing pullups. 

We finally started doing President Nelson's invitation to look for the blessings promised to covenant Israel in the scriptures and to write them down and talk about them.  So I set up a spot to write down the blessings.  Each time the kids find a blessing and write it down they can have a little treat.  Though only on treat per verse. 

We've already added a second page!

Again, no matter the weather the boys will be outside.  Even with blankets if for some reason they don't want to wear coats.