Katie is the only child that I have left in elementary school.... thus.... she was the only one that sang at the Festival of Trees this year... not only that... I missed it. Yep. Bah humbug on that. I had it all worked out so perfectly- thought she was singing at 11 am- nope- 1:30 pm. I was gone at 1 pm to Shawn's first bball game of the season. Caleb and Josh both volunteered to go over and watch her sing... I think Caleb even took video- Katie was delighted (I was kindof shocked that I was replaced that easily...but, deserved)... Good thing she is in 3rd grade and I have 2 more years of repenting to do :-)

So delighted w/ our weeding...

So, yesterday we repented.  I know- happens daily...but, not that kind.  Our weeds.  Our weeds had gotten the better of us this summer... and before the snow hit...it was time.  The weather had been stayed long enough!  The whole family joined the anti- weed project and we got a bunch of work done.  Everyone slaved away for about 5 hours+.  We even got the piles burned... which was peferct because we got rain last night- whew!  I am so delighted with how hard everyone worked.  We celebrated with pizza- yeah!  Caleb even used the sickle like tool/ but not (can't remember what it is called).  Along our road, each of the 7 flowerbeds, in the driveway, etc.... What a great day!  I also got the dining room floor stained (the table is currently in the living room... with a threat if anyone has a major spill!!)... now I will polyurethane it tomorrow.  I also got the study cleaned out- the furniture moved into our exercise room and coat room... so I can paint the floor in there.  What a productive day.  Now, I just need a productive week to get it all finished up and back together again!!!!!! :-S

Busy....

Our family time centers around church, work, family and sports w/ family members.  On the sport's side: Shawn did Cross Country and has never stopped practising for basketball- which official practise starts Nov 15th and first game is Dec 1st.  Dad is the assistant coach for high school this year... so they will both be gone for about 2 hours every afternoon... unless they are at a game.  I cannot complain about this... I am the one that signed Dad up as Middle School Coach a few years ago and highly encouraged this transition this year!  Just saying.  Mariah just finished up volleyball- not the best season of her life by a long shot...but, she stuck with it and learned a lot (a lot about things other than volleyball that is....).  Wow it was rough on her.  She is amazing! I think she is now going to pick up on her dance classes- yeah!!!! Joshua finished up football about 2 weeks ago- very successful season and played his first of 8 weeks of bball- IF league- and won!  The next 8 Saturday's are booked... and then some.  Caleb has spent his sports time with leaving at 4:30 am every Monday morning for almost a year now and usually a second practise during the week (except during BYU football season) playing on an Idaho Falls team.  His league play starts in a week- but, his games will be one day during the weekday.  Katie is not completely left out- she takes gymnastics each week... and has really improved this year.  Everyday she is on the trampoline practising.... infact, next summer we have to get a new trampoline...sigh.  I sit back and ponder at times if we are too busy.  But, so far... I think this is good.  They work hard- they are too busy to get into any trouble- and it is something that every member of our family- that doesn't already have plans...attends.  We all have activity/ coaching cards- so it costs nothing for any home game and very little for any away games.  Cheap, wholesome, family entertainment. Sometimes the schedule gets a little crazy- and we have to divide and conquer... but, for 5 children... it goes along pretty smoothly most of the time.  Shawn is also working on his Eagle project- just about done there, finishing up senior project (project, service, paper, presentation... yeah- it's a big deal), and starting the search for scholarships.  All the children have fantastic grades too!  It's a busy life...but, when I ponder.... it still seems to be on the right track.

Shawn took 8th place in cross country districts!!! On to state this saturday..... (Yes, he HAS to wear his short shorts one more time.... I think it might kill him though.... WOW he hates those things!!!)

Joshua had a very successful football season this year! We went all over the place :-) All over Idaho, into Montana, private schools, public schools, grass, and turf. Josh played offense and defense and did an excellent job!

Well, Mariah will ummmm... not be pleased to see a picture of her on the blog...but, hopefully she won't find out anytime soon. Infact, I think the children have forgotten about the family blog... kindof like me... so, I think I will probably be safe for oh.... about a year or so. Shhhhhhhhh.... just be pleased to see pictures of her...but don't tell her!!! I LOVE Mariah's volleyball team shirt this year- it is way cool. On the back it says "Swagger" :-) Tee hee.....

Cross Country Senior Night... Ok- this was our first Senior something. It is so hard to believe that Shawn is a Senior... it went by so fast. But, we are super excited for him and for the amazing year we have ahead of us!

2010 Atomic Days Fun Run

So, I am very behind on my blogging... I decided to start where I am and try to work backwards, forwards, and everything in between to get it updated. 
Yesterday was Atomic Days in Arco, ID...the most happening day we have!  Daddy and Caleb were in SLC for a basketball tournament with Caleb's Idaho Falls Basketball team- the Titans.  I will post a picture of him later.  While they were away...the mice played!  The rest of us participated in a fun run... Shawn Curtis got first place overall and in his age division in the 10K (43:28), Mariah took 2nd place in her age division for the 10K (59:36), Josh took 6th place in his age division 5K (27:39)(13-18 year olds.. he is 13 and only took 2nd to someone close to his age!), Katie received a fuzzy penguin from  her participation in the Kids mile, and I took 2nd place in my division for the 5K (29:39).  Truly I was just glad to get to the end... with work being so crazy I haven't been running with any regularity at all...and when I have gone, I have been slower than molassas. Next year we hope it is the whole family :-) 
Shawn and Mariah also put together a volleyball team....  but that didn't go so hot... but they had fantastic team-mates!  Mariah then ref. many vball games the bulk of the day.  Shawn C did his own things and Katie, Josh, and I meandered all around.  Katie's fav part was the rides.  I got terribly sick on the Tilt a Whirl with Shawn C (previously my favorite ride ever) the night before, so Josh was left to ride with the little Krazy Katie!   Snowcones, lots of water, sunshine, parade with candy and ping pong ball drop... Atomic Days Fun.