We're adding a splash of color to the ol' kitchen while expressing some love.  Love messages have become a fun way for the kids to express their appreciation to each other. It's fun for Mr. B.T.C and I to see what the kids write to each other but it's even more fun to see the big smile stretched across the face of the one reading "their" message.

Job well done!

A little breakfast love from Mom on Valentines morning.

Oh, and it appears that someone out there has a little crush on Dawson.

Happy Valentines Day Family!

I hope you feel so very loved, because you are!

Mr. B.T.C,

I love you! I feel like my dreams b-e-g-i-n when I wake up each morning. You make life special and not just for me but for everyone who crosses your path. 

 I love to watch you father our children.  I know the girls felt very special and loved when, to their surprise, you were sitting in the school cafeteria during lunch hour(Valentines Day) holding a box of goodies with balloons attached.  They will remember that forever.  I'm certain! 

I love the way you reach out and serve others.  It's special!

I love that you take T-I-M-E to whisk our family away on vacation often so that we can just be together.

I love that you still have the three qualities that attracted me to you in the first place.

1.  Loves God more than himself.

2. Takes criticisms well.

3.  Is fearless.

I love that you make me feel like a queen several times a day.

I love that you have that sparkle in your eyes and pep in your step. It's attractive!

I love that you view life through positive lenses. 

 Im glad that you are my Valentine. 

Happy V-Day baby!

Breeley was beaming when she was asked to give a talk in Primary.  

Her topic was "Agency"

She did a great job! 

Also, she was chosen to be student of the month at school.
  I'll add a picture of the poster she made to describe herself very soon.

Responsibility Chart

I've decided to get rid of the old responsibility charts.

I made new ones.

  I like these better because MARKERS are no longer needed.

The kids just slide magnets over when their responsibility is completed.

*I bought the magnet boards at Rod Works for $15.00 each.

(Since I've posted this I've had several friends interested in the magnet boards.  I've checked Rod Works  and they've sold out.  I've contacted the manufacturer of the boards and will be placing an order.  If you'd like to be added to the list just let me know).

* I ordered vinyl lettering from Heidi Ryan.  She lives in Gilbert, AZ. and owns a vinyl lettering company called SHIRT JUNKIE.

Contact information: www.etsy.com/shop/shirtjunkie or heidi@ryanmanor.com

or you can contact me for a phone number.

* I ordered the custom magnets (small 1 1/4 inch round) from HERE. 

* The smiley face magnets were made from supplies bought at Hobby Lobby.

(Smiley face magnets- put on your chart by one of your siblings when you are caught doing a kind act.  Whoever has the most smiley faces at the end of the week gets a special surprise from Mom(treasure box item).

* Small clear magnets are also made from supplies at Hobby Lobby and each one represents fifty cents.  These are earned if you decide to do a chore around the house.  These are traded in for cash at the end of the week. Chores are done by choice not force.  It is, however, the only way to earn pocket change when they want to go to a movie, lunch, or skate park with friends on the weekend. 

* The small circles at the top of the chart represent each day of the week.  At the end of the day if  ALL of your magnets are moved to the DONE side of the chart you select the small letter (example: S for Saturday) for the given day of week and slide it to the bottom of the chart.  At the end of the week whoever has done (the most letters representing the days of the week)their responsibilities everyday all week gets a cash prize. 

Being part of a family brings with it the opportunity to learn responsibility.  I just wanted to pass along what has motivated our children to help keep our home clean, neat and humming along smoothly.

When we head to the mountains over the holidays we are used to seeing  THIS or THIS.  We were surprised to see very little snow this year.  

We were thrilled when the snow finally came.

The kids were excited to get out their ski/snowboarding gear.

Taking a quick break for lunch and then back to the slopes.

 We traded in the ski gear for ski diving gear.

Then headed over to do a little indoor racing.

Grandma and Papa joined in on the fun.

The girls weren't old enough to race with the big kids but that didn't stop them they were still able to do a little racing of their own.

We had fun out on the town but also found lots of fun right at home . Grandma and the kids put on a little puppet show.

We played games.

We always enjoy our little getaways as a family.

This is what New Years Eve looked like in Utah up in the mountains. 

Very peaceful. 

 What a lovely way to ring in the New Year!