My Snow Angel

Angels

Yesterday at church, Caitlin was having a hard day and didn't want to go to primary. I let her stay with me as I went to classes. In Relief Society (all women's class), the lesson was on Angels and the teacher asked in what ways Angels could influence our lives. Several people called out answers and then Caitlin said in her little voice, "And they can come in dreams." Every one was shocked that she not only was listening but answered the question. She was a little embarassed that everyone looked at her, but it was so cute!

Caitlin's Progress Report

Last week when I picked Caitlin up from school, she had a progress report in her cubby. It explained that it was normal for each kid to have areas where they needed improvement and other areas where they excelled. They got a + for strong development, a check for appropriate development and a - for weak development. So I was excited to see what the teacher thought of Caitlin. Thankfully, she did not have any - marks, all were appropriate or above. The things she excelled at were all of the creative arts (music, art, dramatic play) - this one didn't surprise me. She loves to sing and is pretty good at tempos and staying on pitch. She also excelled in her early literacy, specifically her writing, listening to stories and understanding plots, and verbal and expressive communication (yes, she's a talker).

And then I like this comment about her gross motor skills, "Caitlin sometimes runs or bumps into things because she misjudged distance." That's my girl! Sorry, she's clumsy because of me!!

The only thing negative in her report was this comment, "Caitlin usually listens during circle time because she enjoys books and music. However, she sometimes finds it difficult to listen during other activities and directions. Instructions or rules have to be repeated several times." This was not a surprise to me either. In the morning, I will send her to her room to get something or to go brush her teeth and before she does what I ask, she's sidetracked and playing her room. I think she honestly means to do what I ask, she just loses focus very easily. If anyone has any advice for this, PLEASE let me know!

Caitlin is Powerful

For the past few weeks, we've been ready scripture stories to Caitlin each night. I bought the books from the church that have pictures and the stories on a kid's level. Caitlin has really started to pick up on the stories and answer questions at church, even though she gets some of the people and stories mixed up. She really is paying attention. Last night, as we started to read she said, "Mom these stories are making me powerful." She likes how she can answer questions in primary, but I just thought to myself how true that is!!

Hope everyone got what they wanted for Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone!

Random Winter Events

We got our first snow last night. It was so pretty but made it so hard to get home. It took me two hours yesterday to get home. I was not happy about that. But Caitlin loved it and wanted to play in it, even though it was dark.

In case you can't tell, this is Caitlin making a snow angel. She wasn't down there that long. She freaked and ran inside. Later, she told me that with the snow falling, she was afraid it was going to cover her up while she was laying down. Silly girl!



I just had to get some pictures this morning of how pretty the house looked with the snow. Too bad, the pretty-ness doesn't last long and then it turns into gross sludge.

At Caitlin's school, the got to make gingerbread houses. I just love her school - they do some fun things.

Caitlin helped me put the tree up this year and loved putting the ornaments on. I can tell this may become a mother/daughter tradition. I even taught her how to space out the color and style of ornaments so there aren't similar ones to close to each other. She even would correct me when I would put them to close. She is anal just like me! HAHA

Best Vacation Ever!

We just had the greatest vacation ever! Rusty and I went on a week long cruise to Belize, Costa Maya and Cozumel. We went on Royal Carribean's Independence of the Seas and I highly recommend it!!


Our stateroom attendant each night left us towel animals.


This one was left on Thanksgiving!


Each night we had a sit down dinner. The food was SO good!!


For breakfast and lunch we ate in the less formal dining room. The food was so good and we seemed to always be eating. I gained 5 pounds in that week but it was so worth it!!


First stop - Belize City, Belize. We went on an excursion to zipline through the Rain Forest and then tubing through caves.



Second stop - Costa Maya
In Costa Maya, we went to a nice beach and relaxed all day.



Third stop - Cozumel
Cozumel was my favorite port. The water was so blue! We shopped and went snorkeling.

There was so much to do on the ship that the days at sea were just as fun as the ones at port.

It's official - I'm a clutz!!

Yesterday I was trying to move some stuff from our storage room to the attic and, yes, I fell through one of the small spots that was not floored. And as you can see from the second picture, I am really paying for it!!

Last Softball Game

Caitlin was not at all upset that it was her last softball game. In fact, she was excited. When she found out she got a medal for playing, though, she rethought her opinion of softball!

Run Forest Run

This will come as a shock to many people who know me well, but I like to run. I have always said that I hated running, couldn't run, couldn't understand how people liked to run. Well recently I have been trying to get in better shape and I started walking on the track some after weight training. Then I started walking one lap, jogging one lap. Then walking one lap, jogging two laps. Then each time after I tried seeing how long I could jog without having to stop to walk. Now, I have caught the running bug. Each time I get on the treadmill, it is a personal challenge to see if I can go longer. So far, I am up to 2.5 miles. Tonight, I'm going for 3! My next goal will be to do a 5K (3.2 miles). Anyone want to join me?

Cutest Little Tinkerbell