I just got home from playing the piano for a California State University Bakersfield Voice Recital and just got Abby to bed (which is always an interesting experience). Now I'm determined to get a blog post up before I go to bed. Matt is off at a camp out with the Young Men from our Ward so the person that gets me to bed at a good time is gone!
Wow--2012! I already feel blessed by so many opportunities in less than two months of the year. The greatest blessings of all are my girls and Matt. The girls are so cute, loving, funny, smart, and I could go on forever. I love watching their relationship grow and develop. Abby is such a good big sister and Lily is the happiest little girl I've ever seen. She adores Abby and no one can make Lily laugh like Abby can. Matt works so hard at his job to try to help his students succeed and he is always striving to help the Young Men in our Ward learn and grow.
He is the best Dad and the best husband. How could I ask for more?
I also have had a lot of musical opportunities in the last little while--a musical theatre vocal workshop at CSUB, adjudicating high school voice students at CSUB, the Young Single Adult Stake Choir that sings this Sunday for Stake Conference, playing for voice lessons and recitals and possibly filling in for the choir director at Bakersfield College. I have the best of both worlds--raising my beautiful girls and developing and sharing my expertise and love of music. There are countless more blessings--serving in Young Women's, my Ward Choir, friends, family, etc., etc....
Anyways, here are pictures, which is what you want to see, right?
Abby and Lily ready for Church on January 1st. Need I say more?
He is the best Dad and the best husband. How could I ask for more?
I also have had a lot of musical opportunities in the last little while--a musical theatre vocal workshop at CSUB, adjudicating high school voice students at CSUB, the Young Single Adult Stake Choir that sings this Sunday for Stake Conference, playing for voice lessons and recitals and possibly filling in for the choir director at Bakersfield College. I have the best of both worlds--raising my beautiful girls and developing and sharing my expertise and love of music. There are countless more blessings--serving in Young Women's, my Ward Choir, friends, family, etc., etc....
Anyways, here are pictures, which is what you want to see, right?
Abby and Lily ready for Church on January 1st. Need I say more?
Matt's family joined us for New Year's Eve and we enjoyed Grandma and Grandpa with us as long as we could keep them.
I made a blanket for our new future nephew Lincoln--my little brother Brent's coming baby.
The girls in the playroom playing with their favorite things--cars, trains and balls.
Helping me cook and exploring the kitchen utensils.
Abby's birth mother, Amanda's Dad and step-Mom sent Abby a Toy's R Us gift certificate for Christmas. We went to the store and Abby picked out a Thomas the Train starter set and a little stuffed Simba from the "Lion King." Thanks Geoff and Maria.Abby had so much fun picking things out.
Just having fun....
Sisters.....
Lily's first shoulder ride.
Before Matt started school again we went down to Grandma and Grandpa's house and spent a few days. Granny Ruth was showing Abby how to drive a car in the backyard.
Grandma has a pretty old cat named Sugar Bear and Abby loves this cat. She frequently sneaks into Granny's room and picks up the cat--the cat sheds a lot....Happy Lily.
Wednesday the 11th, Matt suggested we drive to a movie rental place and get a movie. I didn't think too much of it. When we returned there was a "Happy Birthday" sign, streamers and most fantastic cake waiting for me. My birthday is the 19th but since we were not going to be together, the decided to surprise me and celebrate. I love surprises! Especially if it involved a BYU cake! Thanks Heather--best looking cake I've ever had made for me!
Sleepy Lily
On January 12th Matt and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary by going to "Wicked." Grandma and Grandpa watched the girls and we went out to dinner at a place called Stacked. We ordered on the computer and the food was then brought to us--unique and fun! We love musicals and we had not been to one in so long.We enjoyed the show and especially getting to spend time together.
On the 13th Heather arranged for us to go to an indoor place to play with Dexter and Abby. We had so much fun as you can see!
We also had to swim in Grandma and Grandpa's heated pool!
Saturday the 14th Matt and I were able to go to our Stake Temple Day. It was so wonderful to be in the LA temple.
After attending the temple we took our nephew, Dexter with us home. He spent a week with us while Heather and Brandon attended their classes and tried to get all of their school work done. We had so much fun with Dexter and now feel like we know him so much better. There were times when he really missed his parents and I know that they missed him! Take a look at all the fun Dex and Abby had together!
We love you Dexter!After Dexter left Abby got to take home the "Share Bear" from her preschool. She took him to the movies and we saw "Puss in Boots." He also went with us to dance.
One last cute picture of Lily
What a January! I finished the post! Time to go to bed......it's not toooooo late Mattie!
