Jan 23 - 30th

Yes, I'm back tracking again! Updating my blog once a month could make it more exciting for all 4 of my readers - like sitting down with a good book for an evening and finishing it in one sitting and feeling like you've accomplished something! Yes, I am helping you by leaving (procrastinating!) my blogging to one day a month - again, I say Enjoy!

I HAVE to do one journal entry here, without pictures, but maybe a few links for interest, but I do not want to forget this fabulous week! I was able to indulge my "artsy fartsy" (as we say in my family) side this week with 3 wonderful concerts. Friday the 23rd I went by myself to the Lexington Philharmonic to see a violin/viola concerto (the Mozart Sinfonia). The violist was awesome - I love to go and enjoy the talent of other people while reminiscing about my previous life - I really want to start playing again...someday. Then on Jan 26th (after I just so happened to find out the night before) I impulsively went to see Joshua Bell play a recital not too far from Lexington. I went with my friend Donnia who also plays violin. This was FABULOUS!!!! Joshua Bell (http://joshuabell.com) is a violin prodigy, who plays on a 300 year old Stradivarius violin. This was just violin and piano and a moment of a lifetime to see someone of his and the pianist's caliber for only $30!
Lastly, Friday the 30th, Scott and I (yes, I finally took him along!! haha) enjoyed a delayed celebration of our 11th anniversary (in December) by going and seeing Wicked in Louisville!! http://www.wickedthemusical.com It was hilarious - such clever writing - and just an awesome performance!! We had a great time getting away from the kids for more than a couple of hours, but then felt bad when we got home and found out the baby had been screaming for our babysitter for an hour before going back to sleep. He has really started the "mommy attachment" syndrome lately.
So what a fabulous week I had - a huge thank you to Scott for taking over the house (or more like just doing what you always do for me!!) I feel like my IQ went up a couple points for a couple of days anyway! But lo and behold, amid my week of cultural rejuvenation....came the ICE!!!

Sugar Bowl 2008

GAME TIME!!

Rubbing...

and kissing the Lucky Helmet!

The Game

The Coach

The Fans

Little Utes

Big Ute

Halftime Entertainment....The Marching Band and the
Somersaulting Cheerleader

The "Spread"

Utah Beating the Spread!!

The Best Game EVER!!!

We wanted so much to go to the game as it was a mere 11 hours away from here (that's an easy drive for us now!), but thought it was in our best financial interest to stay home, although we ended up buying a new TV that day so we could see the game! So we created the game atmosphere at home. Hey, we got the pictures, we got the T-shirts, had the noise, but the best part was that the kids had their own beds and were tucked in at halftime!

We are so proud of our Utes! You proved the whole country wrong - way to go guys!!!

(btw, Scott did not wear the Helmet for the whole game)

We can't forget the Wildcats - Kentucky won the Liberty Bowl 25 - 19 over East Carolina. Go Cats!

(so luck would have it that our 1 year old TV, bought on Jan 1st 2008, died on Jan 1st 2009 at 7:00 pm, the very day our mfr. warranty ended. Of course! We had a service warranty through B... B... that certain mega giant, mega crappy electronics store - they have to send our tv off to fix it themselves, but don't give out loaners - of course they don't - so our only option was to buy a new one which we will return if our other one comes back. We were setting up the new one 2 hours before the Utah game. We were able to catch the 2nd half of the Kentucky bowl game. Stay away from that store.)

Christmas Day

Reed's 1st Christmas!

Lightning McQueen scooter and gear - Carson's in heaven!

Give a girl a guitar...

and a Rock Star comes out!

Everyone had to take a turn on the guitar...

...yep, everyone.

(well, almost - still waiting to catch Scott with it)

What a fun day!

Christmas Eve

The Dinner
He smiles when he has food.
I love his crescent shaped eyes when he does smile.

Gimme meat and potatoes!

The Beauty

and The Beast

Handmade pillow cases from Aunt Laura.

Very cozy - Thank you Aunt Laura!

Well, he'll get used to it.

Family Photo Shoot

"I love brother. He loves me."

"We love sister, yesiree."

"She loves us and so you see,"

"We are a happy family!"

And now you know why we take our own pictures. Other photographers don't bribe with chocolate.

Audrie's Christmas Program

Work it Girl!

Audrie and Lexi

This was Audrie's big moment! (Okay, listen to Isaac first, then see Audrie's big moment. Had to set up the camera.) What a difference a year makes. Last year she did not want to do anything in her program, but this year she sang all the songs, did all the actions, and said her part into the microphone! She was so happy - she knew she had a great performance!

December

Decorating our UK tree

"I want a Hannah Montana guitar."

"I want some hair and teeth."

"Forget Santa, I just want the treats."