Lindsey Turns 12

Lindsey is twelve years old. It is hard to believe that my little girl who was born on the floor so many years ago is actually twelve. (It makes me feel old.) She had a fun day with breakfast in bed and a shopping trip later that day to pick out clothes. She doesn't trust what I pick so she chose to pick out her own gifts. She also got to miss some school and go to lunch with me. Later that evening we went out to dinner. She is postponing a party with her friends until we have more furniture in the house.

I know Lindsey has been looking forward to turning 12 for quite some time. She now gets to go to Young Womens. I think she was most excited about not having to sing for the Mother's Day program with the Primary. We are proud of all she has accomplished and we appreciate all she does for our family. She is growing into a beautiful young woman on the inside and outside.

A Thanksgiving Easter

We were lucky enough to combine two holidays this Easter season. We finally had kitchen that we could cook in by Eastertime so we got to have the Thanksgiving Dinner that we missed last year on Easter Sunday. The kids were excited to sit down and eat. We talked about all of our blessings and the things we were thankful for, we also discussed the purpose of Easter and why we celebrate it. It was a memorable holiday for us. I was actually thankful to do dishes again. It is amazing what you miss when you aren't able to do it for a while.

The girls got new Easter dresses. They opted for a more casual look this year, skirts and blouses. It is always a highlight to take them shopping for their dresses. They really enjoy trying things on and helping each other out. We discovered a new store that sales junior size clothes at reasonable prices. Lindsey and Heather have decided it is their new favorite store. This is what the girls came up with . . .

Jump and Jivin'

Lindsey had a dance competition with the ballroom dance team she has been participating on through the elementary school. Their group did a swing dance that was set to 50's music. They did a great job! Their team got second place. Lindsey loved dancing but she was uncomfortable with the part where her partner pulls her through his legs. She is taller than he is and she told me she has to duck really low to fit through his legs and then feels like she can't get through. I chuckled but told her I could totally feel her pain. It would be very awkward to be at that age and have a smaller dance partner trying to pull you through his legs. I had flashbacks of high school, slow dancing with boys that were shorter than I. During their performance, Lindsey made it through his legs and he pulled her up so all went well!

I have to admit that I actually enjoyed this dance competition. The older kids that performed were amazing. I keep telling James we should take ballroom dance lessons but so far he refuses. Maybe I'll request it for my birthday.

Utah, A Pretty Great State!

With Heather, we've had the opportunity to hear for the third time what a great place Utah is to live. The fourth-graders presented a program full of song and dance illustrating the history and greatness of our state. Matthew, who doesn't distinguish between the state of Utah and the University of Utah, was not impressed. He couldn't understand why we had to sit through a program that was telling us what a great place "Utah" was. I tried to explain the difference between a state and a University. I'm not sure if he completely understands but he calmed down.

Heather had a speaking part, sang with a small group, and got to do the Virginia Reel. She was very excited and it was fun to watch them. After the program, we got to go to the classrooms and see their presentations on the various counties. Heather reported on Washington County. They did most of the work on the reports on and the float in class. She enjoyed learning about Washington County and was impressed when she discovered James and I were married in Washington County. It was a fun evening with the fourth graders.