Look out David Beckham...

So we have entered a new phase in our lives. That of organized athletics. We are trading in our relaxed, quiet Saturday mornings to cheer for "the Crew". Gage has been wanting to play soccer for quite some time now and we are finally in a situation where we can commit to being to practices and games. I can't tell you how excited Gage (and his Dad) are about all of this. He is the youngest and the littlest on his team but doesn't care. Actually, I don't think Gage realizes that he is on the shorter side (okay shortest side!!). We hope this turns out to be a great experience for him. We are hopeful that it will help to build positive character traits such as good sportsmanship, teamwork, and a committment to something. These are pictures from his first practice a few nights ago. He can hardly wait til the next practice!!!

Anyone want to take a guess???

You know the quiz where they show you a picture and you have to guess what it is...well that's what I'm doing here. Any quesses???

I know...I'm being silly. That's what happens when you are stuck at home all week with sick children. We have pink-eye and the stomach flu at our house. Fun times!!!
Any guesses!!

Hit enter several times for the answer---






When Gage was born the R.S. presidencey knitted this blanket for him. It is so soft and warm. Emmalin has taken a real liking to it. We get a kick watching her wrapped up in it. Those fingers and toes are always sticking out. She waves her hands and feet around and giggles at the sight of it. Did you get it right????

We have had a busy weekend! A wedding, a birthday, and Valentines Day. On Friday my youngest sister was married. It was a sweet experience to be in the temple with them as they were sealed for time and eternity. The reception was later that evening and we had tons of fun catching up with family and old friends.

Saturday was not only Valentine's Day, but Arizona's birthday and my mom decided to throw a big party. As if throwing a reception the night before wasn't enough (my Mom is amazing by the way). We barbequed, made ice-cream sundaes, played games, and ate left over wedding cake which was now "birthday cake". Arizona is now 97 years old. The kids (and adults) had a great time. Thanks Mom!!

As I mentioned before, Saturday was Valentine's Day. It has become a fun family holiday for us. We made heart-shaped pancakes for breakfast and sent the kids on a treasure hunt for their valentine's goodies from us. Dinner was a "romantic" candlelight dinner for 6!! And of course I can't let Valentine's day (or any other holiday for that matter) go by without sugar cookies. Growing up my Mom would make us each a giant heart-shaped sugar cookie. I have carried on that tradition with my own family. Whew, what a weekend. And it's only half over. I'm looking forward to a quiet Sunday. Monday is President's Day. Kimball and the kids have the day off from work and school. No special plans yet...I wonder is they make a cookie cutter in the shape of George Washington or Abe Lincoln...hmmmmmmmm

Mike and Kristi West. Welcome to the family Mike!!

At the end of their treasure hunt they found a basket full of craft supplies. They were so excited, they love doing "projects"

Playing football with the uncles at the Arizona birthday party

Our candlelight valentine's dinner

Carrigan enjoying her cookie.

Mommy and Carrigan

Carrigan and I have alot of one on one time together during the day while Gage and Amberly are at school. She is the best little helper with Emmalin. Always willing to grab a new diaper or sit and play for a few minutes with her. I have really enjoyed this time with Carrigan. We have a stronger bond because of it. I love the little person she is turning out to be. She is so funny!!! Always ready with something fun to say or a silly face. She is so imaginative!!! The games and pretend play she can come up with amaze me. I love my sweet girl. These are pictures taken a few days ago. She brought the camera to me and asked for pictures of just the two of us. I realized that we don't have any of just the two of us and so I obliged. She decided on the faces that we made-- kissy, silly, puffy cheeks, etc.

Valentine's Day FHE

Kimball and I always try to do a fun Valentine's Day FHE the Monday before the holiday. This year we told a cute story that was shared by Elder Oaks called, "The Love Drawer" (we found the story on Sugardoodle). The story was about a mother who had a long-term illness. She saved all of the notes and cards that people had given to her during this time in the top drawer of her nightstand. She called it her "love drawer". It helped her to remember that people loved and cared about her. It reminded her that her Heavenly Father loved and cared about her.
We decided that our family would make "love pockets" to hang on our bedroom doors. During the next week we can sneak little notes or drawings or goodies into the pockets for each other. The kids are really excited about this. We are hoping it will fill our home with feelings of love for each other.
We ended with yummy treats. Aunt Janell gave us a recipe for "cinnamon pastries". They were really good! Thanks Janell!!

6 more weeks of winter????????

My kids are disappointed. Last Monday was Groundhogs Day. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and proclaimed 6 more weeks of winter, but our 80 degree weather in February is proving him wrong. So to make it more winter-like we got out the paper and scissors and went to town making snowflake after snowflake and hung them around the house. The kids are proud of their handiwork. Kimball got into too and made some pretty cool ones.

I did hear on the news this morning that we are expecting rain this weekend and cooler temperatures. Maybe Phil wasn't quite so wrong afterall!!!

Three's

In my family things tend to come in three's. A few times now 3 grandbabies have been born within a few months of each other. All three of my girls were part of these groups (another set of 3!!) In fact, Carrigan shares her birthday with one of her cousins. Anyway, this is a picture of the latest set of three. Emmalin, Rachel, and Joslyn. They are a sweet addition to the Wilkins clan.