Our Christmas Break!!!

Our Christmas break has been very busy! It started with a visit by Stephanie & Tim on Friday at my parents' house. Keith & Laura came into town with their cute kids! Baby Alyssa was absolutely adored by my children. They all wanted to touch her and kiss her. Thanks for being willing to share your baby with the kids! We had snow thanks to lots of prayers from Taylor, we even had some come down Christmas eve. All of us went over to the Saint George temple to see the nativity and Christmas lights. It is always fun for the kids!! We spent our Christmas eve over at Grandpa & Grandma Belt's home. It was a nice but too short of a visit. Our family has a tradition of opening one present on Christmas Eve, it is always a nice pair of pjs, the kids look forward to it and it makes for a good picture!

Zack read the Christmas story from Luke and then we tucked the kids in for bed

Joshua and I woke everyone up at 8 since they would sleep through almost anything without a little coaxing! They were all excited to see what Santa Clause brought them.

After opening their Christmas presents and putting everything together, we ate a nice breakfast of waffles with strawberries and whipped cream! YUMMY! Next we made our way over to my parents house to share in the Christmas holiday. The kids were spoiled to no end with fun gifts from grandparents and TJ. My grandpa Belt was also over but left shortly after our arrival. Later on Brian & Kelsey arrived with Oakley and her brother, Terry and his wife. Then Brandon and Goldie came over with their two little ones. We spent most the time visiting. The next day Stephanie, Jennifer and her kids came over. Lots of playtime for the kids!

On Saturday we celebrated Hailey's 3rd Birthday at Chuck-a-rama. The kids all enjoyed playing together but Denton seemed to be a little confused at why Hailey was getting presents again and he wasn't! He kept asking us if we had a gift for him too.

School Closed Today!!!

*** SPECIAL NOTICE ***

Weather & Road Conditions ALERT!
December 18, 2008 - 5:34 am

SCHOOL WILL NOT BE HELD TODAY DECEMBER 18, 2008 (THURSDAY),DUE TO EXPECTED SEVERE WINTER WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS.

ALL WASHINGTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOLS WILL BE CLOSED TODAY.
- WCSD Administration

Merry Christmas

Dear Family & Friends,

We have had a wonderful year filled with lots of exciting changes for us! Zack was called to the bishopric, which he really has enjoyed. It is a wonderful learning experience for him. He has been able to manage his time much better since he received this calling. Zack is in his fourth year of teaching at Pine View and loves it! Zack is working after school at Infowest. He really enjoys being able to apply his computer knowledge, learn some new things and program. Amazingly, he still finds time to be with all of us, we are blessed! Alisha is busy at home with the kids and expecting #5 this spring. She enjoys her young family, cooking, reading, taking pictures of the kids, and decorating our home. Alisha is busy with her church callings as well; she is in Activity Days, Cub Scouts, and our Sunday school class president. Our home has been blessed by our experiences.

Katelyn is 7 years old and in 2nd grade at Sandstone Elementary. She loves to read, create, and draw! Katelyn is our little princess and more so every time that she gets a new brother! She is very excited to be getting baptized this spring. We are all looking forward to this milestone in our family! Taylor is 5 years old and in kindergarten! He really has enjoyed being more independent. He has learned a lot in school and loves to play with his friends! He likes to play outside, ride his scooter, wrestle, and just be a kid! William is 3 years old and a very busy little guy! He loves to wrestle, play with dinosaurs, run around and be mischievous. He is very independent but enjoys having his brothers and sister to play with. He is very excited to be going to Sunbeams in January and be a big kid. Joshua will be turning two next month, look out here he comes! He is talking up a storm. He loves his big brothers and sister. He loves to roughhouse with William, play football and meet new people.

Our family has been so blessed this past year; we definitely see the Lord's hand in our lives. We know that He is aware of us and answers our prayers. Christmas is a wonderful time to celebrate our Savior’s birth. He has blessed our lives with His grace! Always keep the spirit of Christmas in your hearts. Remember the reason for the season!

We send you warm holiday wishes,

Zack, Alisha, Katelyn, Taylor, William, and Joshua

Activity Day Ideas: Stocking Making Party

This idea is from: http://nacjmac.blogspot.com/2008/12/primary-fun.html


We had a fun stocking making party for the Activity Days girls at my house and made 35 stockings that we are filling and taking to a local clinic for needy families. We are excited to take them, and the girls had a lot of fun making them.

Our first snow of the season!

Saint George is not really a four season kind of place! That is why Zack was obsessed with moving here in the first place. I personally love the snow and winter season so Saint George is not really my kind of enviroment. This has caused frustration for both of us but I figure we can stay here for now and then later down the road we can move somewhere a little cooler for a change!

This morning we walked Katelyn to school and on the way home the snow started falling. It really hasn't been much but the boys were thrilled to run around in it! I was surprised that some was actually sticking to the ground, not enough for a snowman or even a snowball for that matter, but the kids enjoyed it!

I called Zack to inform him of the snow, he wasn't very excited but ALL of his students ran outside when they heard it was snowing! So much for that lesson. HeHeHe!

Katelyn's 1st Basketball Game

We went to Katelyn's first basketball game on Saturday morning. My parents showed up at our house as we were pulling out so they followed and watched Katelyn too. It was quite the adventure for us all! She has never played basketball before and so it was a learning experience to say the least. She has only had one practice and that mainly focused on rules not much on how to play. She seemed to feel a little overwhelmed but was a good sport about it! Tomorrow they'll have another practice. I think it will focus a little more on what these girls need to learn, hopefully.Probably didn't help that we were loading her with information as the game progressed. Most of the time I don't think she could even understand what we were talking about! She practiced with her dad at home with lots of drills afterwards and seemed rather excited to learn more. It will be fun to see how the season progresses! Maybe next year she'll be right there in the thick of things. Lots of learning experiences as we go along!

Activity Day Ideas: Mother Daughter Luau

This came from : http://rvdeming.blogspot.com/2008/09/activity-days-fun.html

On Sept 5th we had a mother daughters Hawaiian themed day for our activity. We played some hula hoop race games, some beach ball volleyball games. Then we sat and snacked while we had some getting to know you game between the moms and daughters. Here are some that I did.


We made these book marks and then had the moms and daughters sign this Pact...

I believe all of the girls and mothers had fun. I took pictures of all of them and then with photo shop put them into some Hawaii scenes and then got them printed at Costco for the girls. They decorated a picture frame for the pictures. They each had all 4 sunset scenes so they could choose which they wanted to frame.

Activity Day Ideas: Light of Christ

This idea is from http://evansfactor.blogspot.com/2008/10/activity-days-needing-light.html



The elders taught a little lesson to the girls. It was the week before General Conference, and they were referring to the direction we would be given, but I think we can apply it to us everyday! They gave the girls each 2 pieces of paper. The first piece of paper, was for a paper airplane. They gave them specific instructions on how to make the airplane, and the girls listened very carefully, and followed them.

When they were through with the first one, the elders said, "Now, close your eyes, and make the same airplane with the other piece of paper". The girls did the best they could. Of course it was more difficult doing it in the dark. Of course everything we do in life is easier when we have the Light of Christ. The missionaries are so awesome! We all loved the lesson. The best part was flying the airplanes!!! These girls are such a BLAST! I love them to death!!!

Busy Weekend!!!

This weekend was rather busy due to Zack's crazy schedule. He was up until 4:30am on Friday working on grades so he was exhausted Saturday morning. When he finally got up on Saturday we ate breakfast together and then he went to work. He forgot to pick up his suit from the cleaners this past week and when he finally remembered they were already closed for the weekend. This usually wouldn't have been a big deal but he was conducting in sacrament meeting so he felt that it was important that he had a suit. We went searching all over town and were so blessed to find one at JC Penney's on clearance for $78.00, the clerk gave us an additional 10% off! Who wouldn't feel great about that?!?

Benefits of raking leaves

Leaf fight Playing with our new tripod
Katelyn, William, Alisha, Taylor, Zack & Joshua

We took the kids to the live Nativity at Tuacahn. They really seemed to enjoy it, especially the real animals: horses, goats, and llamas

Zack did a great job conducting! After church he was in meetings and taking care of fast offerings, then went to a stake choir practice (he'll be doing a solo for our Christmas meeting), meanwhile I had a pack planning meeting at our house. I would say Sundays are busy at our house. Good thing the kids all seem to expect Sundays to be a little crazier than they used to be. They've all been rather good about helping me out!!!

Primary Activity Days

I just started a new blog of my Activity Days ideas. This is the second time I have had this calling and thought it might be helpful for anyone who is starting out doing Activity Days. So far, I have only done one actvity with my new group of girls but do have many helpful links. I plan on updating everytime we have an activity. We'll see how well it goes. If you are interested check it out at http://primaryactivitydays.blogspot.com/

Activity Days: Journals

Today was our first official Activity Days activity for the 8-9 year old girls. We decorated journals with lots of accessories: stickers, paper, paint, markers, gems, foam letters and more. The girls really enjoyed being able to decorate just for them. I also gave them a book mark with ideas of what to write in their journals. They pasted them to the inside cover.


Click on this link from the theideadoor.com:
http://www.theideadoor.com/PDF%20Files/Printables/Journal%20Prompts%20bookmark.pdf

I found this article called Keeping a journal on the Idea Door also: http://www.theideadoor.com/PDF%20Files/Printables/Keeping%20a%20Journal.pdf

My Father’s Journal: a true story
A man died unexpectedly. A few weeks after the funeral, his daughter was helped her mother go through his things. While cleaning out the closet she came across his journal. She was so excited to find something that her father had written. What had he said about her? She sat down on the bed, eager to read about his life. She lifted the leather cover to her face and smelled the musty aroma from being in the closet so long. Then she opened the journal; it contained only blank pages. He father hadn’t written one word of his life. She cried with disappointment.

*What is a journal?
*Why should we keep a journal?
*Who needs to keep a journal?
*What is the difference between a journal and a diary?
*Where can I keep my journal so that no one will read it?
*What if my handwriting is REALLY messy? Do I still have to keep a journal?
*What if my life is REALLY boring, what do I write in my journal?

o If you are a perfectionist – lower your standards. Keeping a record of you life is the goal – nothing more, nothing less.
o Set a goal – Once a week, twice a week, or everyday. If you go a few days, weeks or months without writing, then pick up your journal and write a short entry. Sunday is a wonderful day to write in your journal, reflecting upon the sacrament, the talks, testimonies and lessons.
o Be honest in your writing.
o Write what is in your heart – not what you think other people expect from you. This is private writing where sorrows and worries can be aired. It is also a place where God can talk to you through your writing.
o Remember the details - date each entry & number pages.
o Take your journal to General Conference, vacations, or other situations where you will have time to make entries.
o Use first and last names when writing about individuals. Identify important locations and people in your entry.
o Forget about: Punctuation & spelling – just do the best you can. Sounding righteous, amazing, or perfect. Selling the rights of your journal for a TV movie.

Items to include in your journal
*Important events, impressions, personal feelings.
*Talks you have written, inspiration you have received, the annual family Christmas letter Personal counsel, promises, blessings received and circumstances surround them.
*Deaths, births, marriages, baptisms, endowments, temple service
*Personal triumphs, failures, challenges and how you handled them
*Current local, national, and world events that impact your life.
*Simple daily occurrences.
*Poems and stories
*Dreams, goals, plans for your future.

Remember – your journals are the field research for you personal history. Expect it to be at times chaotic, boring, inspiring, sad, and joyous with some spelling and grammar errors. Enjoy the journey!
Everyone’s journal is different because everyone’s life is different. There is no right or wrong way to keep a journal. The only mistake you can make with your journal is NOT to write in it!
The girls seemed to enjoy themselves.

I served punch & cookies for treat. It seemed to go over very well!

Making a gingerbread house

We were spoiled this week to be invited to dinner and family home evening with the Bennion family. Our kids didn't really have the patience for all that they prepared to do with our little ones and so they sent us home with a gingerbread house kit to make with the kids! It was a great project but would have been way too much on Monday night. The kids got into their pjs on Wednesday night and waited to make their very own Gingerbread house. Keeping them out of the candy until we were ready to decorate was the biggest challenge. We ended up taking them outside while Zack put up a few more Christmas lights, while the "glue" set but they snuck inside while I was helping Zack. Stinkers!!!

Helping Dad Smile for the cameraJoshua and William were spoiled enough to get to lick the beaters after Zack mixed up the frosting. I don't think they realize what a privilege that is.

There was a chimney piece for the roof but it kept falling over so I just let them enjoy it!
Decorating or eating?!?

Caught in the act!
Their finished product, notice the tree is missing a few pieces of candy!

The best part, cleaning up the sprinkles!!!

Now let's see how long it will last until it's devoured!

When it's just too quiet!

Joshua ventured upstairs while the rest of us where downstairs playing. He was a little too quiet to be doing any good. When I came upstairs to see what he was doing, I first saw my makeup bag dumped out and then I saw this...

He's trying to look good! Nice try!!! Maybe taking pictures did not put across the right message but I couldn't resist.

Thanksgiving Day weekend

Well, the Thanksgiving Day weekend has come and gone. We have been reminded of all our many blessings and are so grateful to Heavenly Father for the many blessings He has given us. Our holiday started the Saturday before with a "dinner" for my two sisters who wouldn't be around for Thanksgiving but wanted to participate anyway. Brandon and Goldie came in town with their little ones to join in the festivities also. Brian came a little late but wasn't given much warning and was helping a friend out. Kelsey and Oakley are in Washington staying with all of her family. We all watched the BYU vs Utah game afterward. Being the only ones cheering for the U made it a little awkward. My dad even bought all the grand kids BYU shirts, Taylor absolutely refused to wear his. Good thing BYU lost so bad!!! Seems like a little payback for bad taste on my dad's part!

By Tuesday, I was sick as a dog with the flu! YUCK!!! I stayed in bed for two days and then started feeling a little better on Thursday so Zack insisted that I came with him and the kids to my parents house for Thanksgiving dinner. It was a surprisingly small group as most everyone was out of town, no additional guests, plus it was raining so Grandma Belt and Goldie's parents all stayed home. I did manage to enjoy the meal. It helps when you don't have to cook or haven't eaten much in the past couple days to relax and enjoy. Katelyn probably ate the most, she had four helpings! I think she's going through another growth spurt! Zack and Brandon were both a little sore from our ward's turkey bowl. Zack was the busiest with sports, he played basketball on Tuesday night, Ultimate Frisbee on Wednesday night and then flag football on Thursday morning! No wonder he was so tired after all that!

The rest of the weekend was crazy, I still wasn't 100% but participated in almost everything. Zack is always our black Friday shopper, he seems to get a kick out of it. He got to the stores by 3 am to get a gift that someone tried to take away from him after he had grabbed it!!! Fortunately for both men, there were two. After all the crazy things happening on black Friday this year, I think he should just relax and sleep in instead! The rest of the weekend Zack put up most of our Christmas decorations with help from the kids and me, we got a much larger Christmas tree than before (no more 4 footer) and festive outdoor lights. He had to go up on the roof at one point and was not very happy about that. He doesn't care for heights and I'm not going up there for anyone!!! On Saturday Goldie and Brandon had a birthday party for Denton. The kids were thrilled to eat something besides leftovers.

My mom, Goldie and I went to watch Twilight on Saturday night. There was a pretty large crowd at the movie theatre waiting to see it. I thought it was better than I expected due to all the bad reviews I had read but it still missed a few key items. I wasn't planning on seeing the movie but Goldie really wanted to and I was interested in seeing how it turned out on the big screen so why not. After the movie I watched a couple interviews of the main actors and was surprised at how much I did not like them. Robert Pattinson who played Edward Cullen is really lazy, he really does not come across very well in person, he is much better at acting than personal hygiene! I was surprised by this and watched many different interviews to see if this was just a fluke but it is not. Bummer! Maybe that is why 75,000 people petitioned for another Edward. It wouldn't surprise me.

To finish off the weekend, I gave a talk in sacrament meeting. Those are always so stressful for me! Hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday weekend and remembered what they were thankful for. I am thankful for family, my sweet and energetic children, baby #5 who seems so much like the others, a very loving husband who honors his priesthood and takes care of all of us at home, the Savior's sacrifices for me, the gospel and everything it teaches, our home, good jobs, friends, good health, and a strong community.