Hi!

Listen carefully and amongst all the other noise Leighton says "hi"!  Love the first words!  Even if she doesn't really know what she is saying!

Happy Birthday Again?!?

 With McKenna out of town, we voted and decided to celebrate McKenna's birthday again without her!  Such an easy decision considering Garrett volunteered to help me make a chocolate cake with homemade frosting!  YUM!  We're thinking of you McKenna!  Love you and have fun at FCCLA!

The Many Faces Of Sweet 16!

McKenna turns 16 this coming Wednesday, the 23rd. However, she will be competing at State FCCLA (Family, Community and Career Leaders of America), We celebrated this special 16th birthday today so that we could all congratulate her (and ourselves) for making it to her Sweet 16!  We love this crazy, incredible girl!
 

Many years ago while working at the Utah County Health Department, a co-worker told me she gave a pearl to all her daughters to remind them they are a "Pearl of Great Price" while on dates.  I loved the suggestion and have been waiting ever so patiently for my daughters to start turning 16.  Truly McKenna you are a valuable pearl in our family and especially to your Heavenly Father.  We are proud of you and your standards.  Thank you for setting such a great example to your little sisters and for being such a great friend to your brother! 

When McKenna was just little I told her that if she would wait to kiss a boy until after she turned 16 I would pay her $100.  I know it's technically a bet but I like to refer to it as bribery.  She made it against an impressive odd (Austin!).  I think this is really what she has looked forward to her 16th birthday for the most.  So has the rest of the school - they all thought it funny that she and her mom had this bet and that she was willing to go the distance!

Leighton helping McKenna light the candles.  Every year McKenna asks for angle food cake, and every year I somehow murder it! This year (after ruining it again)  McKenna told me just to give it up and make a triffle. Strawberries and whip cream and a few blackberries made it one impressive triffle. YUM!

Happy Sweet 16!  We love you! 

2011 FCCLA Project

 McKenna's FCCLA project this year was gathering toys for Primary Children's. Katelyn, Frecia, and McKenna set a goal to gather 400 items and ended up with 1,319! Hooray for these girls!  Their theme was Turn a Frown Upside Down. 

 McKenna, Frecia, Katelyn, and FCCLA chapter with some toys that had been collected!  You can't see it, but the toys stretch far beyond this picture!

 The girls gathered $169 at a ball game to get more items for Primary Children's Medical Center.  A huge thanks to the community for all their support and donations!

 Some FCCLA members that helped gather money. Thanks guys!

 The girls and McKenna with her neurologist, Dr. Kestle.

 The girls and Marie Hendrickson. Marie is in charge of all the donations for Primary's.

The girls and FCCLA chapter after counting all their items!  You really did a great job! 

Our darling daughter McKenna took silver and bronze at Region Debate. She placed Silver in Extemp where you are given a national or international topic and then have 30 minutes to prepare and then present a 7 minute memorized speech. She finished with 2 seconds to spare her first round and 1 second her second and third round! There are penalties for going over or too far under the 7 minutes.  In LD or Lincoln-Douglas she got a bronze. LD is a value debate with a randomly chosen opponent from an opposing debate team. She did amazing especially considering that this is her first year doing both! We can't wait to see how she'll do at state!

Good Morning!

This was the scene that greeted me when I came home from the gym this morning.  It was amazing.  I need to figure out how to set up my camera for interval shots.  It changes so fast and each change brings a new dimension to the beauty! 

SHE'S WALKING!!!

History Fair and 4th Grade Talent Show

Every other year Panguitch Elementary holds a history fair. On the off years, it's a science fair. Kimber and her best friend Brooke did it on Native American Weaving. They borrowed Grandma Schmutz's indian artifacts and did a great job. The only regret was the printer running out of ink while we were printing. Oh well - they did the whole project themselves without my help - best kind of history fair if you ask me!

The 4th grade put on a talent show this year as well. Kimber played the piano and did a great job so I hear. Jeff and Leighton went while I was at the hospital on a marathon delivery that lasted 34 hours! Great job Kimber! You are incredible!

Happy Belated Valentines!

I know this post is a little late - but I rarely am a cute creative mom - so I couldn't resist. Valentines day this year was celebrated with heart shaped pepperoni pizza... ...heart shaped chicken bacon ranch pizza...

...and heart shaped fruit pizza. I must say this was the favorite! YUM!!!!