Fixing Pipes, Basketball, and Stake Conference

Since we returned home from Disneyland, we noticed some wet areas on the exterior wall in our garage. We knew it was related to the condensation line from the heater. We know that when the pipes froze something must have cracked in pipe resulting in the damp sheet-rock and wooden stair. Just how far it went up we didn't see until today when Aaron cut the sheet-rock to reveal a pipe cracked and split and completely detached almost up to the ceiling. So, he fixed it and we dried out the wall.

Then Mary and Noah headed to their first practice of the season. Both of them are playing on the same team. We decided to keep it low key and do the Mighty Mites program instead of the more time consuming Jr. Comets, especially since it's their first experience on a basketball team. Our friend Scott is the coach and there are several church friends on the team. They loved it.

After practice Aaron attended the leadership session of stake conference and I got to attend the adult session. If there is anything I am feeling after listening to the talks, it's that I need to be a better missionary and attend the temple more. Last year, I tried to go at least once a month, but that kind of stopped in October with all the holiday and birthday hustle and bustle. I live so close it's ridiculous that I haven't been more steady.

Basque Dinner

 My mom made a delicious and traditional six-course five-star basque meal for a couple (and their guests) who purchased it at our youth auction/fundraiser last year. It was an incredible evening. Basque clothing, Basque decorations, Basque recipes, Basque music, and real live basque people! I helped by making the gateau Basque and plating the meals my mom had prepared. She really did a fantastic job. 

It's amazing how strong that Spirit of Elijah is. I feel such a desire to stay connected to our heritage and know more about my ancestors. That pull pushes me to do my family history work, especially as I see the traditions and culture slipping away into the world.

N is for noodle

I prepared for joyschool today by cooking noodles and soaking them in food colored water. The noodles were so vibrant and colorful that the kids loved eating them while trying to shape them into the letter N.

 The noodles also tied in nicely to our theme this week: different cultures. We sang songs, read stories, sorted and counted lucky charms, built pyramids, and played Chinese sticks. It was a fun day and the kids are really starting to grow and change. 

I was glad Nikki didn't bite her toenails as she did during most of joyschool on Tuesday.

Dancing Queens

The girls with their wild post-hot tubbing hair danced it up to the Frozen soundtrack. Mary watched herself dance in front of the mirror examining her moves and facial expressions. Nicole watched Mary trying to imitate her groove. It was so cute.

Victories

Noah's reading is really starting to take off. He is noticing and reading all the words around him. It's so exciting. If there is anything I have learned from teaching and motherhood it's that everyday small amounts of practice (like reading, piano practice, scripture study, blogging) is far more beneficial than large sporadic catch-up sessions. Slow and steady...

Hot Tub Fun

Yes, it's finally working...tested several times today and seems to be working properly. So exciting to have it here and able to enjoy it. Yay! The kids spent most of the day hopping from cousins' house to cousins' house and in and out of the hot tub.

EIGHT is GREAT!

Mary had her 8 is great fireside this evening. She and her 15 friends will be turning 8 this year and are preparing for baptism. She learned about faith in god and activity days programs. I'm excited for her to begin all these new adventures.