Carson and Hunter will perform the following pieces for a piano festival this weekend. They better do good because they have been practicing the pieces for MONTHS! I'm ready to hear new songs during practice.

Appointment week

I had my second mammogram this week and boy am I grateful that I nursed 4 children and only have sagging skin to stretch out under the microscope!  I'm sure as the years progress and my body sags more, the test will be increasingly less painful. No strange masses to report and I am free until next year.

Brandon's orthopedic appointment also went well. He is slowly returning to running and putting more pressure on the knee. Track practice begins on Monday and he is going to give it two weeks to totally heal and then he will run a full sprint. If it is still painful, the doctor will order an MRI to take a closer look. Hopefully, all will heal normally.

Another winter blast hit us on Wednesday night with a 1/4 inch ice. Although the roads were slick, school was not canceled, much to the disappointment of the boys. Seminary was canceled-good call for those teenage drivers. I managed to make my 10 AM hair appointment. I was the only client in the chair as all the other appointments got canceled. Thursday is "hair-setting" day and many of the older ladies did not wish to brave the elements.

Jessica has an ear infection and has been up at night in misery. She seems to be constantly sick this winter.

Knee Injury

Brandon has an appointment with an orthopedic doc on Wed to determine if anything is wrong with his knee. It has been 3 weeks since this wrestling match which he hurt his knee.

His opponent is a senior.

On a lighter note, Jessica was asked to "make a funny face"  for the camera and this is what she came up with.

Valentine's Day

On Valentine's Day, Jessie enjoyed running, swinging, and climbing with other toddlers at Bump City. Not worrying about her getting hurt or making a mess made my day fabulous.

For his 7th grade Communication Arts class, Hunter created this PSA video concerning children in Sierra Leon who were kidnapped and forced to be soldiers. Research for the topic was heartbreaking and really allowed these students to understand the need for humanatarian aid through the world. I am amazed what resources are available for these middle schoolers to learn and complete research. A FAR cry from 4x6 index cards and the card catalogue.

The following is a link for further understanding what projects are being funded by the UN

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Brandon and his best friend, Chris Davis, dress up for their winter band concert. Chris attends seminary EVERY day with Brandon and goes to all the LDS youth functions, as well as attending his own church youth functions. What a great group of kids to hang out with for Brandon. Chris plays the french horn and in the video, he is pictured on the front row. The trumpet players are featured in the clip.

Valentine's Day at Carson's 3rd grade class. I created 4 games to keep the children busy for the hour-long party.

Working Together/Valentine's DAy

Jessica helps Hunter make bacon for dinner while wearing an apron Grandma Bishop made for her. Not only does Jessica make messes, occasionally she is a good little helper at cleaning up. Recently, she will not leave her hair clip in her hair so she often looks like a homeless child. 

VALENTINES DAY 2008

I saw Anne Romney

The day before SUPER TUESDAY, I traveled about 35 minutes to Missouri and attended a small rally where I heard Anne Romney. What an inspirational speech she gave to an audience of 50. I am impressed with her values and committment to the campaign.  I would hope that we see Mitt Romney run again in the next election as he is an impressive speaker and has some great ideas for changing how parts of government work.

Often, I listen to news stations while I am completing work at home. I am a CNN junkie, although lately, I tire of the political banter and stories of victory and defeat. Surely, there are other stories that need to be told. 

One of my favorite events to witness are musicals put on by High Schools. Last night, "C" and I went on a "date" to Thoroughly Modern Millie" at "B's" school. I am always so impressed at local talent. Not only was the singing impressive, but the costumes were colorful and adorable. I feel like I was entertained by Broadway-style entertainment for $14. There is hope for the future generations. "C" also loved the show and could not stop telling his brothers how good the singing and dancing was.

Superbowl Party with the Naylors!  

After Kate did her homework, she played horsey with Jessie. Our neighbor Chris came over to watch the exciting game. Everyone was cheering for the Patriots, except the Naylor family. Giants won in a GREAT finish.

Brandon read a bedtime story to Jessie. It was a distraction for him to not clean his room. Brandon hurt his knee at a wrestling match and has missed the last 3 matches. The season is over. For his first season trying the sport, he had a few pins and was pinned by opponents as well. He enjoyed it enough to give it a try next year.