Last semester one of my "outs" from the house was piano lessons. My sister Lynn is an amazing teacher and was helping me to revive the talent that I used to have. I still regret wasting time in high school and quitting piano lessons so I decided that it was time to get back into it. One of the pieces that I started my Senior year but never finished or performed was Malaguena. Finishing this song was one of those things on my to do list that I wanted to finally accomplish. We had our recital back in December and it was so fun getting to perform with my nieces and nephews for all of our family. Each of us performed 3 or 4 pieces, some even got to accompany while the audience sang. They did such a good job and it was so nice to cross that one thing off my list. Here's a picture of all the students with my sister Lynn. Yes that is drool or spit-up or something like that on my shoulder. :)

Sunbeams...

Well my little Gracie Roo is now going to Sunbeams. It is a weird feeling because next will be Kindergarten. It gives me anxiety just thinking about it. Dan said that when he went to pick her up from her classroom the teacher was telling her that she had enough crackers. She then proceeded to take another one and climb under the table to eat it...as if nobody knew what she was doing and she would be safe there. Such a booger but I do feel for her. It has got to be a shock to go from toys and snack time to none! I wanted to take her picture this Sunday to document what she looked like. Such a wiggle worm! All I have to say to her teacher is Good Luck!

Shabby Baby Girl Contest...

Gracie will be four years old in March and loves to be a princess. I do photography for a hobby/profession and so far, Gracie is my favorite subject. She is so photogenic and such a natural in front of the camera. Gracie is already into fashion. She changes her clothes multiple times a day and sometimes will change her outfit to match a certain occasion. I think Gracie would look best in the Caribbean Blue Dress.

Been a long time...

For the last maybe 7 or 8 years my family has had the Christmas tradition of going on a hay ride and also having a family party/talent show. Our hay ride has grown from one to two trailers decorated with christmas lights and are pulled by either a tractor or trailer. We drive around the neighborhoods knock on doors and sing christmas songs. The talent show is after that and we usually reserve the cultural hall. Each family can have all or some of their kids perform. Funny or serious talents. My personal favorites were Emma and Wick's guitar/conga duet, Emma your voice is beautiful, Rex, Tommy, Bruce, Bowen and Issac belly dance to Jingle bells, and nothing topped 10? year old Levi's beatboxing...also to Jingle Bells. It was serious stuff and totally awesome! Those are just to name a few. After everyone joins in the singing...a special visitor comes and brings us gifts. Last year it was Mrs. Clause and this year it was Rudolf the "orange" nosed reindeer. Mom you are so clever.

Presents from Grandma aka Rudolf. Obviously she was excited about them. :)

I'm so glad I got a picture of my mom's costume. Notice the lights wrapped around her...plugged into an extension cord. What would Christmas be like without my moms creativity? She is such a hoot!

One of the two trailors.

All bundled up.


Christmas morning.

Another family tradition that we have is our Christmas Brunch. Usually at my sister Amy's House and everyone brings a dish, treat, or sometimes both. I wish I would have taken pictures of the MOUNTAINS of food. It was so delish and I look forward to it every year. Then later that day I had a couple of family photo shoots. They went really well. I'll have to post pictures later. Hope everyone is doing well. -Becky

Just a random picture I found on my camera. I'm thinking Callie took this. They kinda look alike when they are making the same expression.