January Stuff

Waiting for the players to come out!

Coyotes vs. Sabres
Don't mind the gang sign Will-Monkey-Batman is flashing.

While Alan and I were cheering our heads off during the various fights that broke out during this game (it was awesome-3 huge fights!), Alex was pondering the meaning of infinity. He said to Alan: Dad, is infinity an even or odd number? Hmmm.

This pic is through the glass but I love Will's expression. The boys have been taking "learn to skate" classes at the new ice rink by our house in preparation for Hockey Tots. Alex has completely surprised me- he is doing so well on the ice. Normally he is very resistant to trying new things- especially any kind of after-school activity. The kid actually has a breakdown if we go anywhere but straight home from the bus stop in the afternoons. His days are long and he works really hard at school and he loves to come home and crash. But we have had a break through with this activity! I pick him up from school, pack a really great snack for the drive to the rink, and he happily puts on his skates and is off to his lesson. This is a HUGE milestone for us. Will loves it too....though he has lost is "drawers" on more than one occasion while on the ice with his instructor. I have yet to capture that on camera. The visual imprinted in my mind, however, will stay with me for the rest of my life. It was a proud moment.

Making Curtis Lou's Booze with Papa. We've had more rootbeer around here than neccesary...but it's finally all gone. And so is January. I can't believe it!!

Being behind is the story of life right now.

So much going on. Just can't get on top of things. I do feel like the fog is starting to lift...though I am still adjusting to my new life. I was made YW President....38 YW in our ward. New Beginnings is this week. We have a huge youth service auction next month. Camp is coming up. And my family still needs clean clothes, meals prepared.....let alone homework and therapy every single day. Also trying to make some major life decisions at the same time. In the midst of the chaos we've done some fun things I want to document. I'm in love with my children and husband. They are my greatest joy. None of it would be worth anything without them.

Alex's Prayer

We really struggle with Alex and prayer time. For about the last year or so, he fights praying on a regular basis. He is a stubborn kid, and once he gets an idea in his mind, it often sticks. So we have been working on this issue a long time. Tonight, after some gentle prodding, I encouraged Alex to say a prayer and to really think about the things that he is grateful for. Here's what made the list:
"Heavenly Father, I'm thankful for this day. Help me to have a good sleep. I'm thankful for my family. I'm thankful for my home. I'm thankful for my stuffed animals. I'm thankful for my brother the most. Amen." A parents dream come true. Thankful for his brother most? I LOVE IT.

my child

Mom to Will: Will, you smell so good! (as I'm hugging him- it's hard to believe but he has held on to some of that baby smell)
Will to mom: Mom, I am not a FOOD! You CAN NOT eat me! I'm not for breakfast!

Christmas Eve/Morning

Christmas Eve was spent with the Curtis Family at the Brenchley's. The traditional Nativity program. Don't mind Mary(cousin Kate) and a King (Will-guy) who are fighting over a toy in front of baby Jesus.

Happy boys on Christmas morning.

Guatemala 12/08

Oh, the fun that was had on our trip to Guatemala. We left Christmas Day at around noon- which is a tradition my family had for years as I was growing up. We always had a quick Christmas morning with gifts, etc. and then we packed up and headed to the airport. The boys were so excited to see Grandma, Grandpa and cousins. It was more exciting than Christmas! They had no problem leaving behind all of their toys. They knew that they would have more fun than they could imagine....and they did.

First day at IRTRA (sort of Guatemala's answer to Disneyland).

Alex having the time of his life on the "Caterpillar" with Grandma.

IRTRA'S Disneyland Castle- they use a a pyramid

At the resort with Grandma

We went to small branch on Sunday....the kids made fast friends with all of the Guatemalan children.

Zach and Will were great buddies on this trip.

Cousin line-up

One of many meals with all 21 of us at one table.

Life-sized chess was a highlight!

Ready to head to the water-park.

We helped over 500 Guatemalans be fitted for eye-glasses at the eye-clinic we put on one afternoon.

Cousin-races while waiting for the clinic to end.

We headed to a church camp about an hour a way from Guatemala City where we played with the orphans and had a picnic with them.

The Orphans
The look on his face sums up how we all felt about this trip- SO MUCH FUN, SO MUCH FAMILY, SO MUCH HAPPINESS. We loved it.

Alan and I were laughing about Will falling asleep on the old man next time him on the plane ride home. We were all exhausted.

Thanks Mom and Dad!! We love you!

SuperHeros

Check out these tough-guys. Who says boys don't like dress-ups?

oh the joy

...and complete excitement.

Before I forget

Will's prayer tonight:
"Heavenly Father, Thankful for this day. Thankful for my new primary teachers. Thankful for my Buzz Lightyear gun so I can shoot everyone and kill the lamanites. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

New Years Update

SO- Since I don't have time to catch up on what's been going on in our lives, I want to make 2 very important announcements instead:
1. The Cleanse begins again tomorrow. Anyone want to join in the fun? So far 11 people are joining me in the madness. I went to 4 grocery stores today in search of healthy food. Let the fun begin.
2. Registration for the The Camp Pendleton MudRun is open! If you want in, you must register ASAP. It always fills up within 2 weeks. Just FYI, this is one of our favorite traditions, we LOVE the mudrun. It is a great way to stay motivated to hit the gym. If you think you can't do it, you are wrong. If I can do it, anyone can. Join us!

All I want for New Years.....

...is this precious Guatemalan baby girl who also happens to be an orphan.

My boys

She captured Alex so perfectly in this one. He is, by his very nature, such a serious little boy...who then will shock us with his silliness at times. I feel like this pictures captures that-there is a gleam in those little eyes.

Gingerbread making...and eating

Brower, Chipman, Curtis Families...could there be a LOUDER group? No. It was a blast and Alan's masterpiece is sure to win the contest taking place this Friday night at the ward party.

Tomorrow is the day.

Alan is going to make this thing private for me tomorrow....since I am technically challenged and even with the help of several of you I can't figure out how to do it. If you already left me a comment on my other private post, great. If not and you want an invite, comment on this one with your email address. I will feel better when my craziness is only read by those who know me and hopefully love me in spite of said craziness Goodbye.

Oh yes I did.

Celine Dion with Allie. So fun. Her husband gave her tickets as an early Christmas gift, and then didn't really want to go...lucky me! That woman is amazing! I can't believe how talented she is....just hugely energetic and engaging. Who knew that I was a fan? Not me, but now I know! I knew almost all of the songs....which was scary but can be blamed on Oprah since she is a Celine fan and has had her on the show repeatedly. I should probably be embarrassed to admit this but I think Celine is more my style that Coldplay. No hate mail for that last comment please.

Email from Ms. Warren (aka The Teacher)

Hi Mrs. Curtis,
I truly enjoy having Alex in our class! He is a great kid. Just a little glimpse of our reading lesson today....after I read a story to the class, I asked "What do you think the author wanted us to learn from this story?" I called on Alex, who was eagerly raising his hand! He said, (and, let me tell you, I didn't think that any one of the kids would get the author's intent...) "I think that the author wanted us to know that even if you are small, you can still do great things!" He was exactly right! Alex has such great insight. I was so impressed! I really don't think that any other student could have figured that out! His face was beaming! Anyway, just thought I'd share that with you...and, of course, those moments are the reasons that I love teaching!
Ms. Warren

Oh how I love my boy.

I'm not sure I should announce this...

...but it looks like we have an ASU fan on our hands. Really though, who chose the SunDevil as a mascot??