Old Composers

During lunch today Hannah (11) was explaining that they don't use 1/16th notes in music anymore.

"So if you hear one, you are probably listening to really old music by Beethoven, Mozart ... or Shakespeare."

Firsts / Lasts

Truly I am getting sentimental in my old age! Knowing that Miriam is my last baby I have started having those moments where it is a first for her but a last for me. I am split. I am happy, happier than I should be. But there is the tiniest part of me that is sad that wants to hold on to my little babies. You know the babies that are hard to hold because they don't fit on your lap anymore! The sadness isn't enough for me to want to have another one. I would rather be sad then crazy! Oh wait, I already am!!
Any who back to the latest news......

My baby girl had her first Sunday in Nursery!!

She loved it and had Zero problems and no tears!! Hooray for Nursery!!

Hooray for Mee-um!!

It feels good to go to church to attend my classes instead of just walking around!!

Happy Birthday ME!!

What an old women I am turning out to be.......

today I turned 32.

I couldn't ask for more than the many many blessings that I already have. Not a day goes by that I don't think about how blessed I am. For my five beautiful children, my husband that loves his job, my beautiful home, the cars that we have to drive, the ladies that are willing to carpool to far places, the food we have to eat, that I can take a hot shower anytime day or night, for a washer and dryer and I couldn't forget a dishwasher. I feel so blessed to have a relationship with my Savior Jesus Christ and for his willingness to die for me. I am so grateful for his love as well as the love of family, and friends.
It was a quiet, perfect day.....a day for reflextion. Alan took me to lunch and we then had dinner with the kids and opened presents. Alan gave me the perfect gift.......he gave me an airplane ticket and a week off!! Can't get better than that!! It will be fun!

Go Tornado's

Joe had his first soccer game today! He played great and was able to make some great kicks and a couple of blocks. I was surprised that they only played 3 on 3, but I think that's all the other team had. They play 10 min. quarters.

I could not have planned this great of a shot!! Joseph loves to be by the goal protecting it from goals, he is pretty good at it. The only problem is that at his age they don't have goalies. :(

Go TORNADO'S!!

funny side note: Eden kept yelling, "GO mato's!!"

plain

Eden today at lunch said, "Mom, will you make me chocolate milk?" I said I would and proceeded to get out the chocolate and then reached for the milk. She said, "I don't want the milk in it!"

Give it to me straight Mom!!

First Day of School!

It was an interesting first day of school. The day before Hannah and Peter started getting a cold and I told them the night before that I didn't think they would be going. I got up the next morning to find them ready and waiting to go.....they still had another 45 minutes until we had to leave. How can I deny them the first day of school? I let them go after they told me that they felt fine. Sorry to all those who might have gotten this nasty little cold.

Hannah is repeating the 5th grade this year for social reasons. She is perfectly fine with it and hasn't had any problems with kids teasing her. The school district strongly discouraged this decision, but we really felt like this was the right thing to do. After meeting with Hannah's teacher from last year we got the impression that even though she couldn't go against the school district, she thought it would be a good idea as well. So instead of being the youngest in her class she is now one of the oldest. She was able to get the teacher she wanted as well!

Peter is now in the 3rd grade. He is one of the tallest kids in his class. He has only about an inch until he passes up Hannah! Peter's teacher had to miss the first week of school because of her mother's death, but Peter was able to meet her the following Monday and really likes her. We have heard nothing but positive things about his teacher! Always makes you happy when you get a good teacher like that!

Joseph is a big first grader this year. He is so excited to be able to go to school all day long and loved his class. He doesn't have any of his friends in his class, but I am not worried. Joseph has never had a problem making friends! We don't know much about his teacher, but it made me a little nervous that his class was waiting lined up outside like they are supposed to and everyone else's teacher had already come and gotten them and I saw his teacher run out and exclaim, "I'm so sorry, I forgot you!" Should be an interesting year!!

I also get to start school this year!! I am going to be attending Bellevue College working toward getting my BA degree in Interior Design. Having already gotten an AS degree I won't have to take many general ed classes. Just a couple of art classes that I am getting taken care of this quarter. Alan doesn't teach this fall so he will be watching the girls while I am in class. I am nervous but very excited for this next step in life.

All in all it was a good first day! I was able to get some things done at home with three gone and they came home with all smiles!!

Rain Gutter Regatta

A new exciting experience making a vegetable boat!

Blow Peter, BLOW!!!

He took a good 4th place. Well done Peter! The avocado shell with no sail took first.....go figure!

a what??

Eden asked me to hold her "rainbowmote" so she could go to the bathroom. Both Eden and Miriam feel they are playing the Wii if they are holding a remote. So cute watching them "play".

Blown away

Nothing like a good book!

It started with one......
Then 3......

Then 5......

One can't resist a time to just lay around reading!!

Is there a Doctor in the house??

Why yes there is......

Alan with his dissertation committee (Bob, Hank, Alan, David, Paul, and Kay)

One more good luck rub!

His surprise when he got home!!

We made him a happy breakfast to show him how excited we were for this HUGE accomplishment!!

We are so proud of you Alan!!! This is big, and took a lot! I'm glad it's over......I'm sure you are too!! Thanks family and friends for all your love and support. We couldn't have done this without you!!

Who knew?

Hannah just walked by with 2 AAA batteries in her hand.

Rebecca: What are those from?

Hannah: My camera.

Rebecca: Why did you take them out?

Hannah: "Eden was playing with my camera and I didn't want her to ruin all the pictures. All my Canada pictures are on these." She walks away.

Alan laughs

Rebecca: "She doesn't get it." Smile.

REEEEACH...

On My Honor...

It's offical.....I have a scout! and so starts our trek to the church every Tuesday evening for the next 20 years!
He is excited, so we are excited! Bring it on!

A day to remember

Peter made the decision to be baptized and to follow in the footsteps of the Savior Jesus Christ. He read The Book of Mormon before his appointment with Bishop Allen Kimball to be interviewed for baptism. He took Moroni's challenge and prayed about the words he read. It was sweet to listen to him tell us about it. Of course, mom had to take pictures before he went for his interview.
It was a special day......family and friends gathered around us as we witnessed Peter make this commitment to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are so proud of him!!

Peter with the primary president, Sister Agler.

Peter with his grandparents who were able to attend. (Left side Drake.....Right side Boss)

Peter was able to bare his testimony in Sacrament Meeting the following fast Sunday. He started to get antsy and then started writing. Then without asking or saying anything he got up and walked to the podium. He gave a beautiful testimony...

"I know the church is true. I know our Savior lives. I know Joseph Smith translated The Book of Mormon. I know if Heavenly Father didn't make the earth we wouldn't be living. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen."

What a handsome little man!! We love you so very much, Peter!!

Last day of.....SCHOOL!!!

The sun hit them just right and none of them could open their eyes! It makes them look like they are so sad that it is the last day of school. They were excited to get home so they could be with all their cousins who were coming that day for the Drake family reunion!!

My yearly measuring up......Hannah is 3 years older than Peter, whereas Peter and Joseph are only 19 months apart. All to soon Peter is going to be taller than Hannah, Mom, and Dad!! Poor Joe might just be short.....but he may grow a little later!!