January

January has been a little bit busy, but a very fun month.

Two weeks ago I went to Usborne Books Advanced Leadership Retreat in Oklahoma. Jeremy did an awesome job of coordinating the kid's schedules.

Last Sunday, we celebrated Grandma Cox's birthday with all the cousins. The kids LOVED getting to spend time with their cousins.

This week Ashton started tumbling. He is in Katie's class. He was kind of nervous at first, but QUICKLY warmed up to the gym and his teacher. Katie was very good about helping him feel comfortable and welcome.

Matthew also started karate. Last week we tried it out and at his first official class this week he had lots of fun when they actually learned some "fighting moves."

Will has had rotovirus for the last couple of weeks, but has been in a good mood inspite of it all. He is learning so much! He has started to say even more words... like sticker and thank you. Yesterday Stacie was leaving our house and he started screaming "Go Stacie! Go Stacie" because he wanted to go too.

First Sunday of the New Year

Today is the first Sunday of the 2008 and Will has a stomach bug, of course.

The kids were really excited for Primary today because they were going to sing "Happy Birthday" to Matthew and Katie and today is Ashton's first day as a Sunbeam. He wasn't sure he wanted to leave the nursery where he has Mom, Grandma, Willy, green tractors, and snacks! I can't believe he is so grown up!

Last Monday, for Family Home Evening we talked about goals and had a New Year's Eve Party. Our family decided we would read the Book of Mormon two times this year. Matthew wants to learn to read better and Katie wants to learn to ride her bike. I want to get healthy and grow my business and Jeremy said he just wants to make a million dollars. Ashton and Will were pushing around trucks during this discussion and couldn't be bothered with resolutions.

After we set our News Resolutions, we ate yummy pizza, cheeseball made by Great-Grandma Cragun, and dessert. The kids LOVED drinking sparkling cranberry-apple cider and making toasts with each other. We watched Ratatouille and then they went to bed. Jeremy and I stayed up to welcome the New Year.

Wednesday, was a BIG day at our house... Matthew turned 6 years old and Katie turned 5 years old. They both were honored at the schools. Matthew was thrilled to have Jeremy come and show a poster about his life and talk about him. I went to Katie's Montessori preschool for her Celebration of Life. Katie walked around a "sun," while carrying a globe five times while I shared things that she did each year of her life.... pretty deep for preschool.


After school, the kids had fun decorating sugar cookies.

Stacie took the day off and made a yummy birthday dinner (macaroni and cheese w/ hotdogs and lasagna) and two delicious cakes. Right after the dinner the Craguns all went to see Grandpa get sworn in for his third term on the City Council, but Grandma and Grandpa Cox came over so we could sing "Happy Birthday" to the kids and have some cake and ice cream.

This week, Matthew and Katie had a lot of fun reading the books Matthew brought home from school. They are both doing great!

We've gotten lots of snow this week and Matthew and Ashton have been excellent helpers. They love to help Jeremy shovel the walks and driveway.

Another exciting thing that happened this week... Steve graduated from the Central Utah Corrections Academy and Monday starts his first day as an officer. The kids have been telling people they have two uncles who are great cops.

Tomorrow, Ashton goes to the ENT specialist to find out what (if anything) can be done about his hearing. And on Wednesday I leave for Oklahoma to attend Usborne Advanced Leadership Retreat.