YW in Excellence

Our ward recently had a new shift in YW leadership.... a whole new presidency (same advisers). With the change, came a slightly new direction for YW in Excellence night. The vision was to create an experience... a pioneer trek type experience to be more exact.

As you entered the gym, you could tell this was going to be a special night.

We literally set the stage for the girls to share their experiences by setting up 3 scenes.

This doesn't give you the full impact. We dimmed the lights and then "lit" the battery operated candles and lanterns. Also to add to the effect we had cricket, bird and stream sounds playing. With the dim lighting and nature sounds it was an awesome display.

Each class (Beehives, Mia Maids, Laurels) had selected 2 girls to speak about their trek experience or a trek pioneer story that made an impact in their life.

The girls were also asked to write a paragraph about their experience and how they would, "Go Forward with Faith".... how would they choose to use their trek experience to better their lives today?

The girls gathered in the over-flow area, as the parents were seated in the gym. When it was time to begin, the girls came in singing "Come, Come Ye Saints" walking up through the isle to the stage (holding battery operated candles), to begin the program.

Shared trek experiences, a special musical number, a personal pioneer connection from our new YW president, remarks from our Bishop and a delicious apple crisp served for dessert... a successful evening.

Over-the-Hill?

This year I turned the big 4-0!

On the morning of my birthday, I woke up early to find this.....

Yes, the "Over-the-Hill Birthday Fairy" had struck!

It was such a cool surprise and my kids went crazy over it too.

Thank you Birthday Fairy... whoever you are!

Next, I went to breakfast with some friends. We enjoyed good food and even better conversation.

When I arrived home there was a note on the door telling me to knock before coming in. After knocking it took several minutes before the door opened and I went in to discover more decorations.

The kids had quickly done their Saturday chores and decorated the house.

Chores done quickly... one of the best gifts ever don't you think?!

Even Nibblet the hamster, got her spot decorated. :)

That evening, Jason and the kids made dinner; bowtie pasta with chicken, peas and alfredo sauce. Then I hurried to Sister Beck's broadcast. After the broadcast, I opened presents and we had rootbeer floats for a treat.

Sunday evening, family came over to celebrate. Each family brought a yummy treat to share... some of my very favorites!

We enjoyed birthday treats, until we had a sugar buzz... well, at least I was buzzing. :)

Next, we played a trivia game. Jason asked each sibling/couple to come up with several questions about me. He asked the question, I wrote down my answer and then the group decided on their answer. They knew me quite well, I must say. Dean/Candice had to remind ME at what age I received my first bra.... 11 if you're curious.

So is 40 really Over-the-Hill?.... I feel more like 40 and FABULOUS, to tell you the truth. :)

Happy Birthday Abree!!!

Oh my goodness... my little muffin girl Abree turned 7!

After her requested dinner of nachos supreme, she got to open presents.

She was excited to try on her new dress right away. When I told her I made it, she couldn't believe it.

She also LOVED her "Beanie Baby" pig, Knuckles (like new from a thrift store for .50!) among her other gifts.
We displayed the Happy Birthday sign that her school class signed for her. She liked pointing out each name and telling me about each person. She also thought it was so funny that Kaleb signed it, "You Rock!"

She was happy with her piggy cake and wanted to know if she could have the bow when we were done with it. I'm sure she had a project up her sleeve when she asked. :)

Happy Birthday sweet girl!

We love you!!!

Oink, Oink!

As you may or may not know, Abree LOVES pigs. I think it has everything to do with them being "pink" and nothing else really.

When we saw real, live pigs at the fair last year, it might have been a reality-check for her... they weren't nearly as cute or as pink as she thought! In fact, they were really noisy and startling as they jumped up on their pens at dinner time, as we passed by.

She quickly dismissed those pigs and continues her love of PINK pigs today. :)

I found this piggy bank at a thrift store and thought of her immediately. Only one problem.... it wasn't PINK.

So I primed over the cute polka dots and spray painted it PINK. I thought this project would be done for her birthday, but no, rainy weather and too much on my plate makes it a surprise for another day.

Another find at a thrift store was this material... brand new, with shirring at the top. Using a dress she already owned as a pattern, I cut up the fabric and created a birthday dress for Abree.

Another pig creation was her cake. Simple.... and PINK, of course.

Something was missing.

Ahhh, that's much better.

A bow to make it a girl pig... cuz when you're a little girl that's always important.

I made cupcakes with the remaining batter. Used pink pipe cleaners to create squiggly piggy tails for them. Also thought of her when I saw this bubble gum at the store. Put my own pink piggy touch on it

Dress sewn, cake baked and presents wrapped... I think we're ready for a birthday party.

Appreciation Week

I'm pretty sure I've mentioned this before, but we have a Birthday Appreciation Week tradition in our family. Jason has been doing nice appreciation weeks for me, around my birthday time, for a few years now. Last year, we decided to make it a family-wide tradition.

Jason and the kids made this binder (notice the cute spelling of journal).
Inside there is a section for each person. During the birthday person's week, the family writes sweet notes, telling them why they love them or appreciate them. We also try to make an extra effort to be especially nice to the birthday person that week; we do chores for them, make their lunch, make their bed, say nice things, give them treats, among other things.

Our birthday chair cover, helps to remind us to keep the birthday person in our thoughts all week.

Taylee made this individual microwave cake for Abree. She looked up the recipe on-line and went to work without any input or help from me. When Abree got home from school she had it waiting for her. So cute and thoughtful.

Happy Appreciation Week Abree!

Family Weekend

Last week, Jason was offered 2 extra BSU Bronco football tickets. He called his brother Jared and dad to see if they could make a quick, impromptu trip from Utah to Boise. They accepted and brought Grandma, Teresa and Lynely too. Yay!

I knew General Conference would take up several hours of our weekend, but thought that we could find some time to do some crafting. Even though Lynley's 1st birthday isn't until January, I asked Teresa if she wanted me to help her do some birthday prep.

Ya, ya, I know. I just can't help myself. :)
She accepted my offer and chose "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" theme.
We made pom-pom caterpillars for these cute invitations.

Next up, the "1" shirt. I purchased 3 different fabric options, but we narrowed it down to these 2 choices.

This was the combo we finally decided on.

Isn't it so cute?!

Lynley & Taylee

We also made this Hungry Caterpillar inspired circle garland and Teresa worked on a bigger Happy Birthday banner too.

Mom Smullin contributed by doing a blanket stitch around the applique.

Isn't it adorable?

Abree & Lynley

Jared-Lynley-Teresa

Even though it was a quick visit, we thoroughly enjoyed having everyone here.

So glad you guys could come. Love you!