Readers become Leaders

The girls were caught reading together on Gabrielle's couch in her room on Saturday. I am so glad that they love to read and that I spent so much time reading to them from a very young age. They are such good students and both girls brought home great report cards last week. I heard yet another study that said what a positive influence having dinner together has on a child's academic performance. The report recommended that families try to have dinner together at least three times a week. I thought, Wow! We have dinner together almost every night!

OU Truffles

Even though OU lost to Florida last week, I thought I'd share a picture. We had lots of yummy food that night including these OU Sooner Truffles. They are the ones made from Oreos and cream cheese, only decorated in crimson and cream. I thought they turned out pretty cute. Next year we'll just have Alligator meat.

Family Home Evening Treat

This is a pizzookie. The recipe is to "smoosh your favorite chocolate chip cookie dough into a pie pan and bake 10-15 minutes, until just barely browned. Cool just for a minute. Top with big scoops of vanilla ice cream in the warm center. Serve to whoever you want to love you forever! Every bite is PURE HEAVEN!!" It was amazing. Try it you must!

More Christmas Photos

Here are a few pictures that I just got off the camera. These are from the Sunday after Christmas when they opened most of their gifts, including grandparent gifts. They were very excited about their ipod nanos. They were wrapped several times (box, within box, within bigger box, etc.). The dogs were pretty tired of Christmas at this point!

Youth Trip to Nauvoo

The Young Men and Young Women (and their brave leaders) took them on an overnight trip to Nauvoo, Illinois this past Friday and Saturday. The girls really enjoyed it! They got to go to the visitor's center, wagon ride tour, toured the old homes and stores and saw the Rendevous at Old Nauvoo show in the evening. They were able to do baptisms and confirmations in the beautiful Nauvoo temple. This was Gabrielle's first time. They stayed in the Nauvoo Villas condos--the girls had a king size bed to share in their room, plus tv with the Disney channel. When I asked what their favorite part was they said, "The ride home!" They rode with the Young Women's President who happens to be a pretty fun gal. Thanks to the leaders and all the parents who went along!
One of the moms that went e-mailed this group picture.

Ha!

Happy New Year

My New Year's Goal? Same as every year. Drink More Water! Yesterday I only had 12 oz of coke zero and a whopping 60 or so oz of yucky blucky water. I mixed it with the little flavored powdered tube things, so it was not so bad. But really, can't they make one that tastes like Coke? Come on already! My Sonic people miss me I'm sure.